A CHARD man who allegedly assaulted a woman after she refused to give him a refund for a faulty mobile phone she sold on Facebook has been acquitted by magistrates following a trial.

Arthur Anthony Mather was said to have gone round to the complainant’s address after his partner purchased the phone and later found there was a problem with it.

During a confrontation with her the defendant was alleged to have shouted and made threats and also spat at her twice in the face.

Mather, 54, of Holyrood Street, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Deborah Fleming by beating her at Chard on July 12.

He also denied a second allegation that with intent to cause her harassment, alarm or distress, he used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour when he appeared before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil.

Defending solicitor Jeffrey Bannister said his client had been told his partner could have her money back but when he got to address was told this was not possible.

He denied making threats and said the spitting was accidental while he was shouting in anger.

Following a trial before the court at Yeovil the Bench found Mather not guilty of both allegations and the case against him was dismissed.

A defendant’s costs order was also made covering the defendant’s personal expenses.