METRIC martyr Steven Thoburn and his wife Leigh are to stand trial for public disorder offences.

Mr Thoburn, 36, a greengrocer of Association Road, Roker, Sunderland, pleaded not guilty before Sunderland magistrates yesterday to assaulting a police officer.

At a previous hearing he denied causing fear or provocation of violence, while his 27-year-old wife has denied using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

The case was adjourned to May 16 for a one-day trial. Both were granted conditional bail.

Mr Thoburn hit national headlines last year when he refused to sell fruit and vegetables in metric weights.