AN Ilminster man has been ordered to stand trial after allegedly assaulting his ex-partner in the town centre and then striking her with the open door of his car as he reversed towards her.

Christopher James Pryer appeared before Somerset magistrates, sitting as a special domestic violence court at Yeovil.

The 26-year-old, of Blackdown View, denied assaulting by beating during the incident in Ilminster’s Market Square on July 6. He also denied a further allegation of driving without due care and attention on the same date.

Prosecutor Christine Hart told the court that the couple became involved in an argument after his ex-partner had just finished the school run and Pryer was alleged to have grabbed her and tried to pull her towards his car.

He was then said to have got into the vehicle and drove backwards while the door was still open and struck the complainant before allegedly saying that the next time he would run her over.

Defending solicitor Ray Peters said that Pryer denied assaulting the complainant or driving without due care and attention.

A review of the case was conducted and both matters were adjourned until September 30 when the defendant must return to the court for a trial to take place.

In the meantime he was released on bail with conditions that he must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not enter Herne Rise in Ilminster.