A MAN accused of making a threat to kill a woman and attempting to strangle a police officer could face a trial early next year.

Jeffrey Parry pleaded not guilty to attempted strangulation, intimidating a witness and making a threat to kill when he appeared in front of magistrates in August.

The offences are alleged to have taken place in Worcester and Malvern between August 23 and August 27.

Worcester News: COURT: Jeffrey Parry's case has been heard at Worcester Crown CourtCOURT: Jeffrey Parry's case has been heard at Worcester Crown Court

The 64-year-old, of Abbey Road, Malvern, had been set to appear for the latest hearing of the case at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, (September 26).

But at the start of the hearing Judge Martin Jackson said the defendant was not present as the court had been notified he was unfit to appear.

Simon Phillips, prosecuting, asked if there was a particular reason given and the judge explained he understood it was due to Parry's mental health issues.

Parry also had no legal representation during the hearing the judge voicing surprise there had been no input from them. 

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The judge set stages dates - when the prosecution and defence reveal their evidence and the full details of the defence - and said the trial would be placed in a warned list for January 16. 

The warned list means the expected two-day trial can be called at short notice in the period after that date. 

Judge Jackson said he would list the case again for November 7 "when hopefully Mr Parry's health may have improved."

The judge added Parry was remanded in custody in the meantime.