A MAN denied harassment and carrying a knife in public when he appeared in front of Worcester magistrates.

Robert Birtley is accused of pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment of Latoria Lunnon in Evesham between August 4 and August 25 this year.

The 51-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on October 28.

His trial has been scheduled to take place at the court on January 21 next year.

Magistrates remanded him on bail with the conditions not to contact, directly or indirectly, Latoria Lunnon and not to enter or go within the location of Bredon Hill View, Evesham for any reason.

Magistrates gave their reasons for the bail conditions as to prevent interference with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice.

Birtley, of Mill Street, Evesham, represented himself at the hearing but the court appointed Mark Sheward for the purpose of cross examination of Latoria Lunnon, to prevent the accused cross examining the alleged victim in the trial.

Birtley also denied having a kitchen knife in a public place, Pershore Road, Evesham, on August 25 this year, when he appeared in front of city magistrates.

The trial date for that case was scheduled for December 12, also at Worcester Magistrates Court.

We reported on Birtley when he was late to Worcester Crown Court in July because he 'overslept'. After that court appearance he was also met at the door of the court by detectives from West Mercia Police who wanted him on an outstanding warrant.

Once Birtley had finished vaping, officers led him towards Worcester Police Station in handcuffs.

Meanwhile Leighton Virgo appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court last month and was fined for using threatening and abusive words, and behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The court heard the 33-year-old, of Stoney Lane, Kidderminster, committed the public order offence in Worcester on August 31 last year.

He was fined £80, and told to pay a victim surcharge of £34, and costs of £135.

Magistrates, who heard the case on October 7, told Virgo the total, £249, would be deducted from his benefits.