Duo deny Shildon aggravated burglary while in possession of a revolver

Benjamin Dean and Lewis Andre Jones appeared at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court facing charges arising from the incident, in which one of the pair is accused of being in possession of a revolver, in Shildon, on April 1, this year.

The pair, from Northampton, appeared from custody in the dock at the court, both facing a charge of aggravated burglary, in which they attempting to steal from an address in Almond Court, while at the time they had a firearm, namely the revolver.

Jones is also accused of possessing a prohibited firearm of less than 60mm in length, possessing ammunition, 9mm rounds, without a firearms certificate, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Read more: Shildon man convicted of trying to break into car in Chester-le-Street

Dean, 34, of Redruth Close, and his 31-year-old co-accused, of Iron Road, both Northampton, denied all the charges put to them during the short hearing.

A trial date was agreed for the case to return to court at the start of a three-day hearing, on January 15, next year.

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Both were remanded to remain in custody but were told they must assist their defence teams to submit their detailed defence statements for submission to the court by October 27.

The prosecution must first submit its case to the court by September 29.

Judge James Adkin advised the defendant Dean, who was unrepresented at the hearing, that he should seek representation to assist him in the case.