A MAN has appeared in court accused of a machete attack on two victims at the same house earlier this month.

Jamie Burns, 21, is charged with entering the property, in First Street, Consett, with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, plus two counts of wounding with intent, on Tuesday, January 15.

During a short hearing at Durham Crown Court today (Wednesday January 30), a timetable was set for the case, including a provisional trial date of May 13.

Mr Burns, of Fieldside, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, was remanded in custody to next appear at a plea hearing, at the court, on April 12.

DIPTON CIRCULAR: Voluntary countryside ranger Steve Shippen leads a ten-mile trek round countryside of the mid-Derwent Valley, in County Durham, on Saturday (February 2). The guided walk, expected to take up to five hours to complete, starts at the car park alongside Collierley School, Dipton, at 10am.

ABBA NIGHT: The Empire Theatre, Consett, stages a night of nostalgia for fans of 1970s and 80s supergroup Abba. Thankyou for the Music, featuring many of the Swedish quartet’s hit songs, is on for one night only, on Friday February 22, at 7.30pm. Tickets, costing £17.50, or £16.50 for concessions, are available via the box office, on 01207-218171.

CONSETT PACT: The next Consett North Police and Communities Together (PACT) public meeting takes place at the town’s YMCA building, in Parliament Street, on Wednesday (February 6), from 7pm- 8pm. It will be attended by members of the local neighbourhood policing team, who will address concerns of those attending.