Overview

• All eight defendants are due to appear today at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court following the alleged August 30 incident in Horden/Peterlee.
• Charges include racially aggravated threatening behaviour against a 36-year-old man, inciting racial hatred against a 30-year-old man, and affray for six others including a 16-year-old boy.
• Those charged include Nicholas Churchman, 36; Adele Horner, 36; Curtis Russell, 23; Lewis Crow, 30; Melvyn Foley, 51; Lee Hall, 43; and Leighton Lee, 23, with the juvenile not named.
• Police initially arrested four people after reports of disorder, then expanded the case as enquiries identified additional suspects.
• The CPS reminded the public of the defendants’ right to a fair trial, and Durham Police said officers are conducting extra patrols and inviting information from residents.