An offshore worker has appeared in court to admit smashing his girlfriend’s car with a baseball bat but to deny four assault charges against her and her friend.
James Bell, 35, of Palmer Crescent, Jarrow, pleaded guilty to criminal damage by causing £500 damage to the woman’s Peugeot car on May 3.
On the same day he is also alleged to have attacked her and her friend in Beech Street, and again later in Fir Street, both Jarrow, charges he denies.
Magistrates in South Tyneside told Bell he will be tried at the same court on the assault charges Monday, September 13.
He was granted bail on condition he does not contact either of his alleged victims.
Bell must also not enter an area of Hebburn bordered by Coleridge Square, Jutland Avenue, Shakespeare Avenue, Byron Avenue and the A185.
And he must not enter an area of Jarrow bordered by Beech Street, Hill Street, Oak Street and Birch Street.
The exclusion areas will be monitored by GPS tracking.
