A MAN has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to wounding a woman with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.

Mathew Barnett, 44, of Padiham Road¸Sabden, also pleaded not guilty to an alternative charge of unlawfully wounding Carla McIvor.

Appearing before Judge Beverley Lunt at Burnley Crown Court, Barnett also pleaded guilty to assaulting Chris Murphy, thereby occasioning him, actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Stephen Parker said the charges relate to an incident at Burnley Rugby Club on May 14.

Ms McIvor is said to have suffered a serious eye injury during the incident.

Barnett was given unconditional bail to return to the crown court on April 9 when he will stand trial.

Judge Lunt said: “I have set your trial for April 9. If you weren’t here you would be committing an offence punishable by prison.”