A MAN pleaded not guilty to causing assault by beating and to possession of knife in a public place, when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court.

Zack Crowe, of Blake Lane, Small Heath, Birmingham, and previously of Worcester and Redditch, gave the pleas at the court on February 17.

The particulars of the offences are that Crowe is alleged to have caused the assault on September 15 last year, and on the same day he was in possession of a bladed article, a knife, in Hampton Close, Redditch.

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Amanda O'Mara, prosecuting, told the court she anticipated it would be a two day trial.

The stage dates, when reports and evidence for the case needs to be disclosed by prosecution and defence, were set.

Judge Nicholas Cartwright asked what the defence would be with John Lynch, for Crowe, explaining that although presence at the location of the offences was admitted, Crowe claimed he did not assault the complainant and was not in possession of the knife.

The 20-year-old, who wore a black tracksuit to court, was told by the judge that his trial would be scheduled for June 29.