A MAN has appeared in court accused of assaulting a child who suffered a needle puncture injury in Workington.
Neil Stephenson, 42, is said to deny one charge. This alleges the actual bodily harm assault of a 13-year-old girl on May 13 last year.
That charge arises out of an incident in a residential area of Workington, during which the girl is said to have suffered a needle puncture mark to her forearm.
Stephenson appeared at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today (FRI).
During a short hearing in front of Recorder David Potter, lawyer Jamie Baxter indicated a plea of not guilty on the defendant’s behalf.
Stephenson, previously of Richmond Road, Workington, was told his trial in front of a jury had been fixed for April 29. It is estimated this will last around three days.
Stephenson will next appear at the crown court for a hearing on March 8, when a plea is expected to be formally entered.
In the meantime he was granted bail, by Recorder Potter, on condition that he lives at an address in John Street, Carlisle, and does not contact any prosecution witnesses, including the girl.
