Reform councillor Mandy Clare denies Winsford Pride assault
Mandy Clare appeared at Chester Magistrates Court this afternoon where she pleaded not guilty to charges of assault by beating and criminal damage.
But the 54-year-old, along with her defence lawyer and supporters, had initially turned up this morning at Crewe Magistrates, where the hearing was originally due to take place before being moved.
It meant the judge and prosecutor were in Chester, and Clare and her defence lawyer were in Crewe.
Court staff tried to rectify the situation and set up a video link between the two courts but they were unable to do so due to technical problems.
District Court judge John McGarva adjourned the hearing and said it would restart at 2pm in Chester with all parties present.
He told the court that a notification of the change of venue had been sent to Clare, who represents Winsford Deane for Reform UK on Cheshire West and Chester Council, in July.
When the hearing reconvened at 2pm, Clare, of Malpas, spoke to confirm her name and pleaded not guilty to both charges, claiming 'self-defence'.
The charges relate to incidents alleged to have taken place on
Saturday, June 28, at the Winsford Pride event at Marina Island, where the prosecution alleges Clare attacked Richard Welsh and damaged his camera.
She will return to magistrates court on December 16 for a two-day trial and was released on bail, under the condition she does not contact Mr Welsh.
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