A MAN who launched an assault with a crutch claimed he was coming to the aid of his brother, who was himself under attack, a court heard.

The violence was said to have taken place in the beer garden of a town pub in Bishop Auckland, at 12.40am on July 29 last year.

Durham Crown Court was told that Kenan James Samme struck the victim over the head with the metal crutch, causing a scalp wound, at Lacey’s, in Bishop Auckland.

Appearing at a plea hearing, he denied causing grievous bodily harm, with intent, and possessing an offensive weapon in public, in Fore Bondgate.

Judge Christopher Prince asked defence counsel Shufqat Khan: “He’s accused of hitting out with a metal crutch?

Mr Khan replied: “He claims self-defence as he says the complainant in this case was attacking his brother at the time.

“He went over and sought to assist his brother. His case is that he hit the complainant from behind to the back area.”

A trial date was set for the case, starting at the court, on Monday October 28.

Judge Prince bailed the 21-year-old defendant, of Weardale Walk, Shildon, on condition that he does not approach prosecution witnesses.