CHARGES have been dropped against a man and woman accused of a street attack in which a stabbing was alleged to have taken place.

Natalia Conroy and Brett Andrew Wilkinson both denied wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, relating to a confrontation in Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, on October 20.

Both also pleaded not guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in public.

Following a case review, Paul Rooney, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court ‘no evidence’ is being offered against both defendants.

Judge Christopher Prince, therefore, recorded formal not guilty verdicts.

Ms Conroy, 26, of Edgware Walk, Benwell, Newcastle, and 22-year-old Mr Wilkinson, of Plantation View, West Pelton, were not required to attend court to hear proceedings, having been informed of the Crown’s decision.