A MAN has denied assaulting a woman and being in possession of a machete in an incident said to have taken place on Boxing Day, last year.

Christian Lee Jopling is accused of assaulting the woman by beating and possessing a bladed article, the machete, in a public place, at Bradley Bungalows, Pont Lane, Leadgate, near Consett, on December 26, 2020.

Appearing at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, via video link from the city’s nearby prison, where he is on remand, the 26-year-old defendant, of Bradley Bungalows, denied both counts.

A case timetable, in which the defence must submit its evidence, by February 17, was set, with a provisional trial date, scheduled to start at the court on Wednesday June 15, agreed by prosecution and defence counsel.

Judge James Adkin adjourned for a case review hearing to be staged at the court, on Monday February 28, and remanded the defendant to remain in custody in the meantime.

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