A CHARGE of attempted murder has been dropped against a North-East man.

Alan Rees, 37, from Darlington, was declared not guilty of the offence at Teeside Crown Court yesterday.

The case comes after a shopkeeper was injured during an incident outside his convenience shop in March.

Mr Rees and his wife, Elizabeth, 39, were charged over the incident involving Rakhvinder Singh Garcha, 29, in the Cockerton area of the town, on Friday, March 28.

Mr Rees, of Auckland Avenue, Darlington, still faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, dangerous driving, and a joint charge with his wife of attempting to pervert the course of justice. They deny all the charges. Mr and Mrs Rees were remanded on bail.