A DARLINGTON man has pleaded guilty to wounding with intent when he stabbed his victim in the back.

Lewis Firth has initially denied the offence when he pleaded guilty to threatening to kill the man, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest following the incident on Newton Lane, Darlington.

The 19-year-old, of Whitby Way, Darlington, admitted a charge of possession of an offensive weapon when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court in connection with the incident on October 5.

However, earlier this month, the defendant told the court that he wanted to plead not guilty to a charge of wounding with intent but enter a plea of guilty to the lesser charge of grievous bodily harm.

When the charge was put to him again, this time he pleaded guilty the more serious offence.

And yesterday, the teenager faced three more charges relating to a different incident which the court heard happened earlier on the same date.

Mr Firth is accused of causing actual bodily harm, making threats to kill and affray, all in connection with his former partner. All charges that he denies.

Harry Hadfield, prosecuting, said the defendant is accused of punching the woman before grabbing hold of her and biting her face.

The judge, Deputy Circuit Judge Jim Spencer QC, remanded the defendant in custody until his trial date in the new year.

Firth is due in court for next hearing on February 25 when he is due to stand trial for the three offences allegedly committed against his former partner.