A 39 year old Nailsworth man who denies a terrifying campaign of coercive and controlling behaviour against a woman - as well as possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence - will stand jury trial in May, a Gloucester judge ruled yesterday (Thurs).

Christopher Rogers of Lawnside, Nailsworth, entered not guilty pleas to two charges when he appeared at Gloucester crown court.

The prosecution allege he used coercive or controlling behaviour in an intimate relationship between 1st April 2016 and 31st December 2017.

The allegation is that whilst in a relationship with a woman he headbutted her; dragged her by her hair outside Merrywalks in Stroud; rammed her head into a light switch; threatened her with air pistols; sent menacing texts; hid her mobile phone; smashed her mobile phone; sent messages to the woman's employer claiming she was an alcoholic and drinking on the job; attended at her mother's house; attended at her place of work to make allegations of sexual activity with another employee.

He also denied possessing a firearm, said to be a Blackstar air pistol, with intent to cause fear of violence between 18th October and 30th November 2017.

Judge Ian Lawrie QC fixed the trial date for 7th May and granted Mr Rogers bail.