SEAHAM MAN DENIES STALKING AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED WOMAN
A man has denied stalking a woman and twice hugging and kissing her against her will.
Ian Chalk is to stand trial on three charges arising from his alleged conduct with the complainant, between July and August last year.
It follows not guilty pleas given by the defendant at Durham Crown Court to one count of stalking, causing serious alarm or distress, and two of sexual assault.
The 41-year-old defendant of Haverley Drive, Seaham, was told a suitable trial date, for an estimated three-day hearing, could not be fixed prior to July 5, 2027.
He was told the timetable in the case prior to the trial would involve the prosecution submitting its case by January 7.
Adjourning the hearing, Judge Nathan Adams told Chalk: “I’m afraid your trial will go to the back of a very long queue and won’t be until July 2027.” The defendant was bailed on condition that he does not contact the complainant.
