A man has denied all offences after a police officer suffered suspected knife injuries attending a domestic incident in which the defendant is accused of threatening to blow up the house.

David Eldrett appeared at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court today (Monday March 4) via video link from the city’s prison, where he is on remand.

The 53-year-old accused denied alternative charges of wounding a police constable with intent and unlawful wounding, arising from the incident in Newton Aycliffe, in the early hours of Sunday January 28, this year.

The Northern Echo:

It is understood the officer involved suffered an injury to his leg believed to have been inflicted with the use of a knife by the defendant.

The Northern Echo:

Eldrett also denied making a threat to kill his ex-partner, threatening to destroy or damage her home, in Kestrel Court, by blowing up the property, and assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm.

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The court was told Eldrett, of Kestrel Court, has remained in custody since the incident with the expiry date for the time he can be detained before trial being July 29.

All parties agreed on a trial date for a hearing of up to three days, starting at the court on Monday, July 22.

Eldrett was told he would remain in custody until then, but he must submit his signed defence statement to the court over the allegations by Tuesday, April 16