Two men have admitted a series of motoring and drug possession offences, but both face trial at Durham Crown Court on joint burglary and theft charges.
Niall Pattinson, 20, and 21-year-old Mackenzie Short appeared for a plea hearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court via video link from HMP Holme House, Stockton.
Both denied the joint charge of burglary of a house in Willowtree Avenue, Gilesgate Moor, Durham, in which car keys were stolen, between July 23 and 26.
They each also denied theft of a Skoda Kodiaq car between the same dates.
Pattinson, of Cuthbert Avenue, Durham, admitted three counts relating to possession of the class C drugs temazepam, pregabalin and Subutex, also on July 25.
Andrew Pickin, prosecuting, said the pleas were “not acceptable” to the Crown, on the burglary and theft charges which would have to proceed to trial.
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A suitable date for a hearing at Durham Crown Court of two days’ duration was agreed for January 13, 2026.
Both defendants were told the prosecution summary of evidence would be submitted by September 16 and, in response, their signed defence statements would have to be presented to the court by October 14.
Recorder Andrew Dallas adjourned the hearing to the trial date and remanded both defendants to remain in custody in the meantime.
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