A CHARD man who allegedly attacked his former girlfriend’s new partner following a dispute about child access has been ordered to stand trial before Somerset Magistrates later this year.

Colin Sebastian Murphy was said to have confronted the victim on his doorstep, made abusive remarks and grabbed at his throat.

He was then alleged to have punched him to the side of his face causing him to hit a wall before grabbing his throat again.

Murphy, 40, of Kents Cottage, South Chard, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Michael Trott by beating him at Chard on July 13.

Defending solicitor Ray Peters said that his client denied any of the alleged assaults claiming it had been Murphy who was assaulted by the complainant.

A review of the case was conducted and the matter was adjourned until October 25 when the defendant must return to the court at Yeovil for a trial to take place.

In the meantime he was released on bail with conditions that he must not contact Michael Trott directly or indirectly and must not go to Gifford Close in Chard.