A MAN who has now admitted all charges relating to an attack with a machete-type weapon is to be assessed over his “dangerousness”.

But, whatever the outcome of that assessment, Maurice Michael Fraser was told the only outcome of his case would be a custodial sentence, with the single question mark as to how long he spends behind bars.

Fraser, 29, of Eldon Terrace, Ferryhill, previously admitted possessing an offensive weapon, the machete, and causing an affray, arising from the incident in Eldon Terrace, on December 4.

But he denied wounding the male victim with intent, although he admitted the slightly less serious offence of unlawful wounding, stemming from the same incident.

The injured man is said to have suffered a suspected fractured skull and a laceration across the forehead, both caused by machete blows.

Fraser also admitted criminal damage to a police station cell following his arrest.

A trial was scheduled for Durham Crown Court this week, but, after discussions between prosecution and defence counsel, it was agreed that the wounding with intent charge could be put once more to the defendant.

Fraser, this time pleaded guilty, although defence counsel Chris Morrison said there was, “a considerable background” to the case, particularly “provocation, possibly homophobic in nature.”

Judge Jonathan Carroll called for the defence to draw up points of mitigation it will make prior to sentence and the Crown to agree which it may wish to challenge.

He also asked the Probation Service to draw up a report to include an assessment of Fraser’s “dangerousness” .

Adjourning for sentence on June 28, Judge Carroll remanded Fraser back to custody and told him: “You have pleaded guilty and are realistic as to the outcome. It will only be custody. The only question is: ‘How long?’.”