A man has appeared in court accused of breaking a New Year's Day reveller's jaw during a suspected attack.
Lee Sweeney is alleged to have punched the male victim outside a pub in Bedlington, in Northumberland, and left him needing surgery.
The 22-year-old was in the dock at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to face an allegation of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent on Steven Smith.
Sweeney, of Station Road, in Bedlington, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter a not guilty plea during the short hearing.
The court heard that the alleged assault happened outside a pub in Bedlington on New Year's Day 2020.
Mr Smith was left with a cut on his head, which needed gluing, and required surgery to his broken jaw.
Grace Taylor, prosecuting, said, because of the level of injuries, the case should be heard at the crown court.
She added: "The Crown would submit that this is not suitable for summary trial. It was New Year's Day at a pub in Bedlington.
"It's a serious injury."
Catherine Fowle, defending, agreed that the case was too serious to be dealt with before magistrates.
Jurisdiction was declined and Sweeney was sent to Newcastle Crown Court, where he will next appear on January 19 2021.
He was released on unconditional bail until that date.
