A Darlington man could be facing a custodial sentence after he assaulted his mother and sister following a family Christening.

Wesley Richardson, of Barden Moor Road, pleaded guilty to the incident when he appeared at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The 28-year-old had been to a Christening on September 5 and he, and other family members, returned to his house following the service. The court heard he had been drinking before becoming abusive towards his mother and asked her to leave.

Jacqueline Gibson, prosecuting, said: "Inside his house, an argument took place between him and his mother. She says that following this he just flipped and told her to get out of the house.

"She made her way towards the front door and she was pushed by him, causing her to fall on to a quad bike. He then raised his fist, but he didn't strike her."

The court heard, it was at this stage his sister intervened by hitting him over the head with an ornament.

Ms Gibson said: "Richardson grabbed his sister by the throat. As a result, she suffered marks on her throat about one inch long."

The police were called and he was arrested and taken away for interview.

The court was told Richardson initially denied the incident, but later admitted his involvement. He was formally charged with using unlawful violence towards another person to cause them to fear for their safety.

The case has been adjourned for a full pre-sentence report and the magistrates requested a custodial steering.

Chairman of the bench, Peter Vaux, told Richardson: "This does not mean you will definitely be sent to prison."

Richardson will appear before magistrates again on November 3. He was granted unconditional bail.