A JUDGE found it an "impossible" task to identify X Factor star James Arthur as the victim in the case he was dealing with.

Christopher Revell came before his court accused of smashing a glass over the head of Arthur, who is currently sitting at the top of the charts with Say You Won't Let Go.

But Judge Sean Morris wondered why the GBH charge was attracting more attention than usual despite reading the singer's name on the charge sheet in front of him.

Revell appeared via video-link from prison to deny causing grievous bodily harm to the singer by smashing a glass over his head in the Plimsoll Line pub in Redcar, east Cleveland on August 18.

Defence barrister Jeff Taylor told the court he had seen pictures of Arthur's injuries - requiring five staples to a gash in the head - in a newspaper.

Judge Morris asked: "What was the interest in this particular case?"

Mr Taylor explained: "Mr Arthur is a well known pop star who is currently number one in the pop charts your honour."

Judge Morris frowned and answered: "Oh. Right."

The case against 30-year-old Revell was adjourned for a trial date to be fixed.

At a previous hearing, magistrates were told that Arthur suffered blood loss and had to be treated at hospital where he required five staples to close the wound.

It is alleged that Revell used a glass as the weapon, smashing it over Arthur's head from behind, which he denies.

Revell, of Queen Street, Redcar, denies offences of inflicting grievous bodily harm and breaching a restraining order, but admitted possessing cocaine Mr Taylor, defending Revell, who was working as an offshore oil worker at the time of the attack, said that there was “a history” between him and Arthur.

Former Brit award nominee Arthur was dropped by Simon Cowell over his bad boy behaviour in 2014 but re-launched his career and appeared on the X Factor last weekend.