A WILTSHIRE man accused of assault and threatening a woman with a knife was told the court couldn’t yet fix a trial date due to coronavirus delays.

Raymond Laurence, 39, denies the charges. Judge Peter Crabtree told him yesterday: “Because of the current situation I can’t give you a trial date. I’m going to hopefully do that in four weeks’ time when I get the lawyers together for that.”

The judge said trials due to start in April for defendants currently in prison on remand were being adjourned to a time to be fixed.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court via video link from HMP Highdown, Surrey, Laurence, of no fixed address, spoke only to confirm his name and not guilty pleas to assault causing actual bodily harm, threatening a woman with a knife on Francis Street, Trowbridge, and possession of a blade. All the charges relate to an alleged incident on October 19 last year.

The trial is expected to last between two or three days. The Crown was represented by Hannah Squire. Tony Bignall appeared for the defence. Both lawyers dialled into the plea hearing by telephone.