A MAN who struck another drinker in a pub, knocking him unconscious, has denied wounding him with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Carl Ian Pearson is accused of committing what the prosecution claim was an “unprovoked attack” in the Freemasons Arms, in Consett town centre, in the early hours of July 7, last year.

Paul Cleasby, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court that not only did the defendant land the original blow, but, after a short gap, he then returned and continued the attack, causing the victim multiple facial injuries.

In-house CCTV which captured the incident will be shown at trial.

Mark Styles, for the defendant, said there was a “background”, with, “a pre-amble of apparent staring at close quarters.”

Mr Styles added: “He believed he had been staring at him prior to that and asked him to stop it.

“But, he denies any intention to cause really serious harm.”

Judge Christopher Prince adjourned for a trial of one day or slightly longer, starting at the court on Wednesday July 3.

He bailed the 37-year-old defendant, of Richardson Way, Consett, in the intervening period.