THREE men are set to be committed to the crown court amid accusations of assault.

North Staffordshire magistrates declined jurisdiction over two allegations of assault in June.

And Danny Crewe, aged 18, of Hammond Avenue, Brown Edge; James Foster, aged 20, of Honeywood, Newcastle; and Matthew Shackleston, aged 19, of Mallory Road, Norton, will be committed to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in the New Year.

They are charged with assaulting Daniel Hardy, occasioning him actual bodily harm, in Newcastle on June 27.

There is a further allegation of assaulting Oliver Jones, occasioning him actual bodily harm, on the same date and at the same place.

Shackleston has denied the offences while the other two defendants have yet to indicate a plea. They were all bailed until January 5, when crown court committal proceedings are expected to take place.