THE following cases were heard by South Durham magistrates sitting at Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, January 28):

BURGLARY DENIED: David Andrew, 44, Lodge Street, Darlington, denied one charge of burglary. He was granted conditional bail ahead of his trial at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on April 22.

TRIAL DATE: Simon Robinson, 30, Larchfield Street, Darlington, denied going equipped for theft. He is alleged to have been caught with a number of tools, including a hacksaw, adjustable spanner and head torch. He was granted conditional bail ahead of his trial at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on April 16.

NO INSURANCE: James Welch, 23, of Yarm Road, Darlington, admitted using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third party insurance. The court heard he was riding a quad bike in a field when he was stopped by a police officer for having no insurance on July 12 last year. Sonny Lawson, for Welch, said he thought he had been insured on his father’s traders insurance that morning, but further inquiries revealed the company did not insure quad bikes. The case was adjourned until May 22 for a special reasons hearing.

ASSAULT DENIED: Dean Swinbank, 31, of High Grange Farm, Brafferton, denied two charges of assault by beating. He was granted conditional bail ahead of a trial at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on May 23. He was also sentenced to a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge after admitting amphetamine possession.