A BRIDGWATER man accused of conducting a terrifying stalking campaign against a woman in Meare threatening extreme violence towards her has been ordered to stand trial at Taunton Crown Court.

Lee James Ravenhill is alleged to have turned up at the complainant’s address and threatened to shoot her and cut off her head with a chainsaw.

He was also said to have bombarded her with abusive messages over a three month period.

Ravenhill, 32, of George Street, was brought before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil in custody after being arrested by the police.

He was charged that between February 11 and May 13 this year at Meare his course of conduct amounted to stalking and caused the complainant to fear on at least two occasions that violence would be used against her.

The charge outlined that between the two dates of the charge the defendant repeatedly sent messages of an abusive nature to her.

He also allegedly attended her address and threatened to harm her by shooting her and cutting off her head with a chainsaw.

Ravenhill pleaded not guilty to the offence and the magistrates said the case was so serious that he must be sent to the crown court to be dealt with.

They adjourned proceedings until June 10 when the defendant was ordered to attend a pre trial hearing at Taunton.

Until his next court appearance he was released on bail with conditions that he must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly; must not go to Meare except for one occasion in the company of a police officer to collect his car and must live and sleep at his address in Bridgwater.