A Workington man accused of affray and having a kitchen knife in a public place has appeared in court.
Brett Dempster, 42, faces two charges. One alleges affray — that he used or threatened unlawful violence towards another, and that his conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety.
A second alleges that he had a bladed article — a kitchen knife — without good reason or lawful authority at Station Road in Workington on March 10 last year.
That is also the date on which the affray is alleged to have occurred.
At Carlisle Crown Court today, Dempster pleaded not guilty to both of the allegations he faces.
The court heard from Dempster’s lawyer, Sean Harkin, that the defendant disputed presence at the scene at the time of the alleged incident. His case was that he was inside his property at all times.
He is due to go on trial in front of a jury in the week of October 31.
Until then Dempster, of Station Road, Workington, was granted unconditional bail by Judge Richard Archer.
