A MAN who admitted being in Chard town centre with a knife denied a further allegation that he sent distressing messages and photographs to a woman.

Darren Michael Bennett, 35, of Holyrood Street, Chard, was brought before Somerset Magistrates in custody after being arrested by the police.

He pleaded guilty to a charge that on November 28 at Fore Street in Chard he was in possession of a knife with a curved blade.

However he pleaded not guilty to sending to the female complainant messages via a Telegram App and photos which conveyed a threat for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety to the recipient.

A review was conducted and both matters were adjourned until January 21 when the defendant must stand trial before the court at Yeovil.

In the meantime the magistrates remanded him in custody following an application made by the prosecution.