Attempted murder charge dropped as man admits dangerous driving when trouble flared at wedding

Ben Ashman pleaded guilty to causing serious injuries to a woman, who is in her 50s, by dangerous driving during an incident at the Bowburn Hall Hotel in Bowburn, in the early hours of August 24 last year.

The 36-year-old has also admitted assault by beating on a different female, who is in her 20s, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to a male, dangerous driving, damaging property and failing to provide a specimen.

A charge of attempted murder, in relation to the victim who suffered serious injuries, has been dropped.

Ashman, of Sunderland Street, Houghton, has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month.

Judge Paul Sloan QC warned him: "You should understand, the fact I am adjourning sentence and the fact I am directing the preparation of a pre-sentence report is not an indication of the sentence that will be imposed.

"You will understand that you face a significant, immediate custodial sentence.

"The length of that sentence will be determined once I have seen all relevant information about the case."