A man has denied beating and threatening a woman as well as damaging her flat.

Bradley Higgins, 27, of Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey, pleaded not guilty to four offences at Chelmsford Magistrates’ court yesterday.

Mr Higgins is accused of assaulting Justine Courtney in her flat in Farthingale Court, Waltham Abbey, and damaging her walls on December 4.

He is also alleged to have threatened Ms Courtney and damaged a window in her flat on December 12.

He has been bailed until his appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on April 30.

While on bail he is not permitted to contact Ms Courtney and is not allowed to go to Peregrin Road, Waltham Abbey.