Man denies assaulting police officer in disorder

Lee Bodman was charged with assaulting an emergency worker during the disorder in Stoke-on-Trent

A man has denied assaulting a police officer during violent disorder in Stoke-on-Trent earlier this month.

Lee Bodman appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Thursday where he denied assault by beating of an emergency worker during the unrest on 3 August.

The 52-year-old also pleaded not guilty to a charge of breaching a criminal behaviour order.

Unrest across the UK followed fatal stabbings in Southport and, in their wake, false online rumours the suspect was a Muslim.

District Judge Graham Wilkinson told Mr Bodman, from the city, that if he was convicted, he would have to be sent to crown court for a "greater sentence".

He was bailed to appear for a trial at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 3 December.

A condition of his bail was that he must not go within half a mile of the Potteries Shopping Centre except for lawful business, such as visiting a bank, between 09:00 and midday.

He was ordered to report to Longton police station on 2 December to "remind" him to turn up at court the next day.

A warrant has also been issued for the arrest of a second man who failed to turn up at the same court on Thursday, also charged in relation to the Stoke-on-Trent disorder.

Jarrod Hollinshead, of no fixed address, was accused of affray and using threatening words or behaviour during the incident on 3 August.

District Judge Wilkinson ordered that a warrant be issued for the 26-year-old's arrest after he failed to attend.