7 will go on trial in 2028 over racist disorder at a County Durham park
A judge has said there is a substantial backlog at Teesside Crown Court
A judge has explained a two-and-a-half year delay in the trial of seven defendants who deny charges relating to alleged disorder in a park.
Durham Police launched an investigation after families were allegedly attacked at Eden Lane Park, Peterlee, on August 30.
Nicholas Churchman, 36, of Edenhill Road, Peterlee, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday to deny a racially aggravated public order offence and affray.
Lewis Crow, 30, of Yoden Road, Peterlee, denied stirring up racial hatred after he was alleged to have posted on Facebook about the group using the park.
Lee Hall, 44, from Gilesgate, Durham, denies a charge of affray, said to have occurred when he was in his car and an officer allegedly saw him make a "Nazi gesture" and shout "White power".
Melvyn Foley, 51, of Ashton Rise, Peterlee, also denies affray which relates to an allegation he threw missiles at the people in the park while he wore a balaclava.
Adele Horner, 36, of a separate property in Edenhill Road, Peterlee, also denied affray, which was said to have occurred during an alleged altercation with police.
Leighton Lee, 23, of Conyers Crescent, Horden, denied affray, related to an allegation that he threw eggs and stones towards the families in the park, and was alleged to have said to police that officers were helping them "take over the country".
Curtis Russell, 23, of Basingstoke Road, Peterlee, also denied affray relating to an allegation that he was trying to stir up the crowd and encourage violence.
Judge Richard Clews adjourned their two-week trial until March 27 2028.
He told the defendants:
"You have all pleaded not guilty to the allegations that you face, therefore we must arrange for a trial to take place to decide whether you did or did not commit any offence.
"Unfortunately, there is a substantial backlog at this court."
He said that the 2028 trial date was "the earliest we can do".
All defendants have been bailed.