Earliest we can do - defendants have to wait until 2028 for their trial into park disorder due to court backlog
Seven people, some of whom are charged with affray and some with racial related offences, have been told they will have to wait two-and-a-half years before their cases can be heard due to a court backlog of trials.
Durham Constabulary launched an investigation after families were allegedly attacked at Eden Lane Park, Peterlee, on August 30.
Earlier this week the seven defendants appeared at Teesside Crown Court where they denied the charges relating to the alleged disorder in the park.
Nicholas Churchman, 36, of Edenhill Road, Peterlee, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday to deny a racially aggravated public order offence and affray.
Lewis Crow, 30, of Yoden Road, Peterlee, denied stirring up racial hatred after he was alleged to have posted on Facebook about the group using the park.
Lee Hall, 44, from Gilesgate, Durham, denies a charge of affray, said to have occurred when he was in his car and an officer allegedly saw him make a “Nazi gesture” and shout “White power”.
Melvyn Foley, 51, of Ashton Rise, Peterlee, also denies affray which relates to an allegation he threw missiles at the people in the park while he wore a balaclava.
Adele Horner, 36, of a separate property in Edenhill Road, Peterlee, also denied affray, which was said to have occurred during an alleged altercation with police.
Leighton Lee, 23, of Conyers Crescent, Horden, denied affray, related to an allegation that he threw eggs and stones towards the families in the park, and was alleged to have said to police that officers were helping them “take over the country”.
Curtis Russell, 23, of Basingstoke Road, Peterlee, also denied affray relating to an allegation that he was trying to stir up the crowd and encourage violence.
After pleading not guilty to the charges, the Judge Richard Clews adjourned their two-week trial until March 27, 2028.
Explaining the delay he told the defendants: “You have all pleaded not guilty to the allegations that you face, therefore we must arrange for a trial to take place to decide whether you did or did not commit any offence.
“Unfortunately, there is a substantial backlog at this court.”
He said that the 2028 trial date was “the earliest we can do”.
All defendants have been bailed.