A man has appeared in court accused of breaking a Northumberland takeaway boss's nose.
Ryan Dale is alleged to have attacked Alamin Khan inside the Delaval Tandoori, in Seaton Delaval, last April.
The 30-year-old appeared before magistrates in South East Northumberland on Thursday.
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Dale, of Astle Road, in Seaton Delaval, faced one count each of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of steroids, a class C drug.
He withheld his pleas to all charges.
The court heard that 31-year-old Mr Khan suffered a broken nose, an injury to his hand and other bruising as a result of the alleged attack in his takeaway on April 22 last year.
Prosecutor, James Long, said: "For trial purposes, these matters could be heard in this court with the view to commit to the crown court for sentence in the event of a conviction."
Steve Chambers, defending, added: "It's a matter for the court as to whether you think it's suitable for this court. Otherwise, I have no observations."
Magistrates accepted jurisdiction but Dale elected for his case to be heard at Newcastle Crown Court.
He will next appear there on March 3 and was released on unconditional bail in the meantime.
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