Further adjournment in case of Spennymoor's Kelsey Bainbridge

Kelsey Bainbridge is alleged to have attacked the man and woman with a weapon in Spennymoor on Sunday, July 6.

She is accused of two counts of wounding with intent and one of possessing an offensive weapon, a metal shovel or dustpan, outside a Lidl store in Spennymoor, on the same date.

When she first appeared at Durham Crown Court, earlier this month, no charges were put at the defence request.

This was due to medical evidence as to the extent of the complainants' injuries which had not been submitted at that stage by the prosecution.

The defendant made her second crown court appearance today (Thursday, August 28), via video link from HMP Newhall, a women’s prison in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Her counsel, Calum McNicholas, told Recorder Tom Moran: “I find myself in an unenviable position in seeking a further adjournment.

“As you may know from reading the pre-sentence report, we are dealing with a woman with a complex history of trauma and mental health diagnosis.

“As the prison video link system wasn’t working, I’ve been unable to speak to her prior to today’s hearing.

“Thirdly, there’s new evidence over the injuries suffered by one of the complainants.”

Mr McNicholas said a liaison and divergent report has been prepared as to the defendant’s mental health issues.

“So, there are significant matters which need addressing and I would need to speak to her before any plea should be entered, so I’m seeking to ask the court for a further adjournment.”

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said there were also doctors’ notes of relevance to the case which formally need uploading to the court system.

Recorder Moran said for all those reasons it would be necessary to adjourn the case, again, to a new hearing date, in October, when the charges will, hopefully, be put to the defendant.

Bainbridge, 26, of Ox Close Crescent, Spennymoor, was remanded to remain in custody until the next court appearance, on Friday, October 3.