A CHARD man accused of assaulting a woman and causing damage to her property on New Year’s Day has been ordered to stand trial in March.

Marcus Eric Hodges, 25, of Furzehill, appeared in the dock before Somerset Magistrates, sitting at Yeovil.

He was charged that on January 1 at Langmead Place in Crewkerne he assaulted the female victim by beating her. He was also alleged to have damaged a mobile phone, Sky router box and house phone belonging to the same complainant.

Hodges denied both allegations and defending solicitor Sam Morton said his client claimed the complainant’s partner had attacked him several times.

Following a review of the case both matters were adjourned until March 27 when Hodges must return to the court for a trial to take place.

In the meantime he was released on bail with conditions not to contact the complainant and two other named witnesses directly or indirectly and not to go to Langmead Place in Crewkerne.