Carlisle bare-knuckle boxer Derek Heggie will stand trial later this year accused of posting racially aggravated comments on YouTube.
Heggie, 40, was one of several people across north Cumbria who were charged in the wake of civil unrest and riots which broke out elsewhere in the UK last month after three children were killed and 10 other people were injured in Southport.
Heggie appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon when the two charges he faces were formally read to him by a clerk during a 10-minute hearing in which he spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.
One charge alleges that Heggie sent an electronic communication of an offensive nature. The specific details of this charge allege that he did so between August 2 and August 8 this year in two YouTube videos which, court papers show, made reference to grooming gangs and also the prophet Muhammad.
A second charge alleges that Heggie, of Welsh Road, Carlisle, sent grossly offensive electronic communications, via YouTube between the same dates, with intent to cause distress and anxiety.
Heggie pleaded not guilty to both charges. His barrister told Judge Michael Fanning the issue in the case will, in essence, be intent.
Heggie is next due to stand trial in front of a jury at the crown court, due to start on December 2.
In the meantime, Heggie remains remanded in custody.
