A MAN has appeared before magistrates accused of carrying out a serious assault in a County Durham village.

John Lee Crake, 24, of South View, Trimdon Grange is charged with causing grievous bodily harm following an incident on Sunday night.

Ian Forbes, 36, from Kelloe, received a fractured skull and broken jaw in the incident and was last night in a critical condition in Newcastle General Hospital.

Mr Crake was released on bail by Sedgefield magistrates today on condition that he resides at his parents' home in Thornley, does not interfere with witnesses and reports to a local police station twice weekly.

He was also ordered to stay out of Trimdon Grange and the surrounding villages.

The case was adjourned until Monday, August 20, for a plea and directions hearing at Teesside Crown Court.