Karl Connor pleaded guilty to a charge of assault but his alleged adversary Lennon Laverick has denied any wrongdoing.
Teesside Crown Court heard how 58-year-old Connor entered his plea at an earlier hearing.
Recorder Ian Mullarkey decided it would be better if the defendant was sentenced following the trial of 30-year-old Mr Laverick later this year.
He said: “In my opinion it is important that the same judge hears both your case and Mr Laverick’s case.
“I only sit part time as I am not a full-time judge so it wouldn’t be me who would hear Mr Laverick’s case.”
Connor, of Morpeth Avenue, Middlesbrough, will return to court for another hearing on the same day as his co-accused, Mr Laverick, on April 24.
Laverick, of Sunnyside, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, has pleaded not guilty the charge he faces following the alleged incident on October 12, 2024.