A MAN who has denied attempting to murder a woman but admitted a number of firearms offences will be sentenced next month.

Neville Coatsworth was arrested after armed officers were called to a disturbance in Dale Road, Shildon, shortly before 2pm on Thursday, October 7.

The 56-year-old was using a sawn-off shotgun to threaten a woman before turning it on a man who tried to intervene.

Teesside Crown Court heard Coatsworth plead not guilty to attempted murder before pleading guilty to a further five charges when he appeared via video-link from Durham Prison.

He admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of two shotguns and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.

No one at the scene required hospital treatment.

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Nick Dry, prosecuting, requested the case be adjourned to allow time for a psychiatric report to carried out.

He said: “We will deal with the attempted murder charge at the sentencing hearing.”

Coatsworth, of Dale Road, Shildon, was remanded in custody after Judge Jonathan Carroll adjourned the case until March 17.

He said: “You have pleaded guilty to these matters, there will have to be an adjournment for psychiatric reports to be prepared.

“You will be sentenced on March 17 this year and in the mean time you will be remanded in custody.”

Speaking at the time of the incident, a spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “This was an isolated incident, and we would like to reassure the public there is no risk to the wider community.

“We would also like to thank residents for their support and patience whilst we dealt with this incident.”

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