A JOURNALIST is to face trial by judge and jury accused of stalking a man involved in a child abduction case.

Richard Carvath is said to have followed and taken pictures of the man when he was out with his family and branded him a paedophile.

And the 42-year-old is also alleged to have contacted the police to allege that the man was a child sex abuser.

Carvath, of Marlborough Road, Royal Wootton Bassett, pleaded not guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress.

He is said to have carried out the campaign between the start of March 2017 until Tuesday, June 4 this year.

After the charge was read to him at Swindon Crown Court the defendant said the particulars of the charge had changed since his appearance before magistrates.

But after it was explained to him by the judge and his lawyer that the charge had remained the same, just the details amended, he entered his plea.

It is alleged that he carried out a course of conduct which would have caused the complainant serious alarm or distress.

He is said to have written derogatory comments online including allegations that the man is a paedophile.

The charge goes on to say he located the home of the man and attended on it to take photographs on him and his family.

It is also said that he contacted Devon and Cornwall Police alleging the man is a child sex abuser.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, said that a trial was expected to take place at Exeter Crown Court in late September.

Recorder Patrick Clarkson adjourned the case and released Carvath on bail on condition he does not contact the complainant and stays out of Devon.