A man has denied there was a sexual motive behind a confrontation with a woman walking home in the early hours of the morning, last month.

Steven Donaghey appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today (Friday October 13) charged with committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence and assault by battery.

The charges arise from an incident as a 20-year-old woman was walking home along St George’s Terrace, off Osborne Road, in Jesmond, Newcastle, at about 3.20am on Sunday September 10.

It was alleged that Donaghey grabbed the woman and attempted to drag her to the ground.

Read more: Man wearing balaclava attacks woman on Jesmond street

Following a short struggle, however, the woman was able to get to her feet and head to safety, while the defendant made off on foot.

The 22-year-old defendant, of Walker Park Close, Walker, Newcastle, was arrested and charged within days of the incident.

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He denied both counts put to him at the short plea hearing before Judge Amanda Rippon.

A trial date was set for Thursday February 29 next year, but with a pre-trial hearing once the prosecution case and full defence statement have been submitted to the court.

Judge Rippon remanded Donaghey to remain in custody until the pre-trial hearing at the court on December 11, when she said he could appear via prison to court video link.