A man was told to expect "a lengthy prison sentence" after changing plea and admitting wounding a woman with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.
Peter Ronald Blackbourn, of Tayside, Darlington, was due to go on trial on September 2 having previously denied the charge, arising from an incident on April 26 this year.
He appeared at Durham Crown Court on May 26 and pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent and false imprisonment of the same woman.
But he did admit damaging property, bedroom furniture belonging to the complainant, also on April 26.
A fortnight before the scheduled trial date, Blackbourn appeared back before the court today (Tuesday August 18), via video link from Holme House Prison, Stockton, where he remains on remand.
His counsel, Cainan Lonsdale, asked if the wounding with intent count could be put again to the defendant, who, this time, pleaded guilty.
Mr Lonsdale said, having discussed the pleas with the prosecution, that should resolve matters without the need to go to trial, as the prosecution would no longer pursue the false imprisonment allegation.
He asked for a psychiatric report to be prepared on the defendant prior to the sentencing hearing to assess potential mental health issues.
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Recorder Mark McKone said the sentencing court should also have the benefit of a background Probation Service report to assess the “dangerousness” of the defendant.
Recorder McKone allowed up to 12 weeks for the psychiatric assessment and Probation Service report to both be prepared.
Remanding 31-year-old Blackbourn to remain in custody, pending the sentence hearing on November 14, he told him: “Subject to those reports, it seems likely that a lengthy prison sentence will be imposed.”
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