A CHARD man who allegedly assaulted his partner by punching her in the face has been ordered to stand trial accused of an offence of assault.

Mark Anthony Barr, 39, of Bonfire Close, appeared before Somerset Magistrates, sitting at Yeovil.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge that on December 17 last year at Chard he assaulted his partner by beating her.

Prosecutor Christine Hart said that during the alleged incident Barr was said to have punched his partner in the eye.

The court heard that the alleged victim had refused to make a statement to the police and said she did not wish to assist them with the case.

However statements she made to the police at the time of the incident were to be used as evidence.

The magistrates conducted a pre-trial review of the case and adjourned the matter until April 18 for a trial to take place.

They also issued a witness summons to ensure the complainant’s attendance at the hearing.

Until then they released Barr on conditional bail on the understanding he does not contact the complainant or her mother directly or indirectly.