A man has admitted attacking his stepson with a knife at a family home in Darlington last month.

Mark Kilpatrick, 49, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (February 28) morning charged with one count of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of threatening his victim with a blade.

The attack left his 28-year-old stepson Scott Bass hospitalised having suffered knife wounds. His injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

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The attack happened shortly before midnight on Sunday January 29 at the home of Kilpatrick’s wife Karolyn, on Shearwater Avenue in Darlington last month.

Kilpatrick, who appeared in the dock wearing a suit and tie, pleaded guilty to both counts.

The Northern Echo: Kilpatrick -appeared before Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (February 28) morning.Kilpatrick -appeared before Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (February 28) morning.

Judge Jonathan Carroll warned Kilpatrick a custodial sentence was “inevitable” due to the serious nature of the crime.

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Adjourning the case until sentencing next month Judge Carrol said: “The reality is this offence is so serious that a custodial sentence is inevitable.”

Defending, Armit Jandoo called for a relaxation of Kilpatrick’s bail conditions to allow him to enter Darlington, but the appeal was denied by the judge.

He also appealed for the defendant to be allowed contact with his wife prior to sentencing, which the judge approved.

He will be sentenced at the same court on March 31.

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Officers were called to an address on Shearwater Avenue in Darlington shortly before midnight on (Sunday January 29) following reports that a man had been injured.

Bass was taken to hospital having suffered knife wounds. His injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

He previously appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on January 31 when the case was sent to crown court.