A MAN accused of assaulting a woman and then trying to intimidate her during an active investigation has denied the offences.

Kevin Rowland, 42 and of Guinea Lane in Weston-under-Redcastle, near Wem in north Shropshire, was arraigned in court without representation on the direction of Judge Rhys Rowlands on Friday, August 16.

He pleaded not guilty to two charges, with count one causing actual bodily harm against the woman on August 10, 2022 in Castle Caereinion, near Welshpool in Mid Wales.

He also denied intimidation by sending flowers to her while at HMP Berwyn between August 10 and December 15, 2022, knowing that was she was concerned in an investigation and obstruct the course of justice.

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Rowland appeared unrepresented at Mold Crown Court and explained that he was still waiting on a decision for legal aid.

However, Judge Rowlands, sitting in court one, decided that pleas were to be entered ahead of a trial in March next year.

He told the defendant that there will be another hearing on September 27 and urged him to have representation by then to set out the course of action for him.

But Judge Rowlands clarified to the defendant that if he was forced to represent himself in court, he would not be allowed to cross-examine the claimant but a court appointed legal representative would.

Rowland faces a trial on March 5, 2025.