A Blackburn man is to stand trial after he denied strangling and assaulting a 16-year-old girl.
James O'Rourke, 21, of Sumner Street, Blackburn, pleaded not guilty to all charges against him at Preston Sessions House yesterday (Wednesday, February 28).
The court heard how it is alleged on Friday, January 26, O'Rourke strangled and assaulted a 16-year-old girl at his home address in Blackburn.
O'Rourke pleaded not guilty to four counts: controlling or coercive behaviour, assault by actual bodily harm, strangulation, and threatening with a bladed article, namely a machete.
Setting a trial date of July 30, Judge Andrew Jeffries KC remanded O'Rourke into custody until then.
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