Christopher Cluer was originally charged with attempting to cause another man grievous bodily harm, arising from the incident in Barnard Castle on Saturday July 12, 2025. But at a hearing at Durham Crown Court on May 5, he pleaded guilty to an alternative offence of affray, using or threatening unlawful violence, which was accepted by the prosecution. Judge Anthony Dunne adjourned the case to allow the Probation Service to prepare a background report on the defendant prior to sentence. He also ordered the defendant to attend up to 15 rehabilitation activity sessions overseen by the Probation Service. No evidence was offered by prosecutor Deborah Smithies and a formal not guilty verdict was recorded on the original charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.