A DRIVER will stand trial over allegations he was behind the wheel of a Toyota and had a hunting knife on the passenger seat.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court via video link from Gablecross police station, Lee Turner, 32, of Manton Street, Rodbourne, pleaded not guilty to driving while disqualified and possession of a bladed article.

He was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, October 21, after police allegedly saw him get out of a Toyota Urban Cruiser at the Chiseldon service station on the A346 Marlborough Road.

Prosecutor Ben Worthington said that when officers, who believed he was banned from driving, went over to the vehicle they saw a hunting knife inside.

Turner denies all wrongdoing.

Magistrates remanded him in custody to appear before the Princes Street court on Thursday, October 29, for a case management hearing. A trial date has not yet been set.

Turner was represented at the short hearing by solicitor Emma Hillier.