A Whitehaven man has denied possessing an imitation shotgun and committing actual bodily harm on a woman.

Curtis Kirkbride, of Kinniside Avenue, Whitehaven, appeared at Workington Magistrates' Court today (Monday) to plead not guilty.

Mr Kirkbride, 27, is alleged to have assaulted Kelly Burns in Cleator Moor on September 17 and carried an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, in Whitehaven, on the same day.

He has also been charged with criminal damage, to the value of £350, to the windscreen of a Landrover Freelander on September 17 and criminal damage to the wall of his cell in Workington Custody Suite, by scratching his name into it, on September 22.

Mr Kirkbride spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and home address, and enter his not guilty pleas. He will be remanded in custody until his trial at Carlisle Crown Court on October 23.