A man has been told to expect a prison sentence after admitting assaulting a woman and two police officers.
David James Francis admitted carrying out an assault on a woman in Bishop Auckland on March 8 this year and assaulting two police constables on December 3 last year when he appeared at Durham Crown Court on Monday.
The 36-year-old of Elm Terrace, Bishop Auckland, appeared at the court via link from HMP Durham, where he has been on remand, for a plea hearing. Francis pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a woman, but admitted an alternative charge of unlawful wounding - which was accepted by prosecutor Paul Newcombe.
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Francis also pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a police officer - which also took place in Bishop Auckland. Judge James Adkin adjourned sentence so that a victim impact statement from the female victim of the attack could be obtained. A probation report from Francis' offender manager concerning a suspended sentence order which was imposed for an offence of dangerous driving is also required. The court heard that bodycam footage from police officers is also needed.
Adjourning sentence for a week, Judge Adkin told him: “You have now pleaded guilty to the outstanding charges you faced and you’ll get a reduction on sentence to reflect that. There are one or two loose ends that need to be tied up but you will be sentenced on Monday, August 22, and you should expect to receive a custodial sentence.”
Francis was remanded in custody until his sentencing next week.
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