Hartlepool councillor set to stand trial on assault allegations

Socialist Labour Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher, 41, who represents the Manor House ward, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Friday, July 24.

He denies two charges of assault by beating relating to two men alleged to have taken place in Hartlepool on Sunday, November 3, last year.

Cllr Akers-Belcher, of Westbrooke Avenue, appeared in court with Lewis Akers, 28 who pleaded not guilty to the same charges and also denies an additional allegation of assault by beating of a female on the same date.

Mr Akers, of Conway Walk, Hartlepool, is also charged with criminal damage of a police cell at Middlesbrough also on November 3 last year.

Both men were granted bail by the court and the case was adjourned until Friday, October 16, for a trial due to be heard at Peterlee Magistrates Court.

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here.

Thank you.