A Carlisle man is to stand trial in front of a jury accused of assaulting, suffocating and making a threat to kill a woman.
Ricky O’Neil, 33, pleaded not guilty to three charges relating to the same female complainant when he appeared at the city’s crown court earlier yesterday.
One charge alleges that O’Neil assaulted the woman by beating. A second charge alleges that without lawful excuse he made a threat to kill the woman, intending that she would fear the threat would be carried out.
A third charge alleges suffocation and that O’Neil “did an act which affected the ability of (the same complainant) to breathe and constituted the battery” of her.
All three allegations arise out of incidents that are said to have occurred on June 14 this year.
In light of O’Neil’s not guilty pleas, a timetable for progression of the case was outlined and a trial date agreed. This is due to start on October 10.
In the meantime, O’Neil, of Rydal Place, Carlisle, was remanded in custody by the judge, Recorder Tony Hawks.
