THE following cases were heard by South Durham magistrates sitting in Darlington yesterday:

SEX CHARGE: The case against Peter Large, 50, of Bisley Court, Darlington was adjourned until April 22. He is accused of indecently assaulting a girl under 14 between 1982 and 1984.

GUILTY PLEAS: Kevin Sykes, 29, of Honeypot Lane, Darlington, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance. Sentencing was adjourned until May 1.

STOLEN GOODS: Craig Herriott, 19, of Haughton Road, Darlington, admitted receiving a stolen slug pellet spreader worth £100, driving a car without a licence or insurance. He was fined £250 with £55 costs.

FINE IMPOSED: James Stott, 21, of High Scogg Farm, Middleton St George, Darlington, admitted being drunk and disorderly and making threats. He was fined £100 and £55 costs.

WEAPONS POSSESSION: David Prior,19, of St John's Crescent, Darlington, admitted two charges of carrying an offensive weapon. He was fined £150 with £55 costs.

WINDOW SMASHED: A man who smashed the window of the Tanner's Hall pub in Darlington was ordered to pay £200 compensation. William Elliott, 40, of Greenbank Road, Darlington, admitted criminal damage.

DISORDER FINE: Lee Towler, 21, of Middleton Street, Darlington, admitted being drunk and disorderly in Gladstone Street, Darlington, and was fined £50.

SHOPLIFTING DENIED: Lindsay Mullett, 22, of Hundens Lane, Darlington, denied stealing goods worth £6.78 from a Netto supermarket. The case was adjourned until May 13 and Miss Mullett was granted bail.

BURGLARY CHARGE: Steven Crombie, 24, is accused of breaking into the ASE Club, in Northgate, Darlington, and stealing a safe and cash from gaming machines, to a value of £5,000. Mr Crombie, of Pickard Street, Sunderland, did not enter a plea. The case was adjourned until June 3.

SOLDIER BANNED: Royal Artillery gunner Christopher Fothergill, 19, of Chatsworth Terrace, Darlington, was banned from driving for two years after he admitted having no insurance and driving while drunk on January 31. He was also fined £400 with £55 costs.

THEFT CHARGES: James French, of Neasham Close, Stockton, denied stealing more than £5,000 from Pathfinder Pubs. The case was adjourned until June 3.

ASSAULT DENIED: Lee Rogers, 27, of Thames Way, Darlington, denied assaulting Stuart Edward Clark in Darlington and using threatening behaviour. He also denied resisting a police officer and damaging a mobile phone, computer and glasses worth £497. A 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was jointly charged with the first two offences and denied them. The case was adjourned until May 13.

ASSAULT CHARGE: Michael Aldworth, 32, of Dodds Street, Darlington, was charged with assaulting David John Pointon in Darlington. The case was adjourned until April 29 and Mr Aldworth was granted bail on condition he stay out of the Glittering Star pub and does not approach Mr Pointon.