Nicholas Smith from Newbury charged with strangulation offence

A MAN has been sent to the crown court charged with strangling and seriously assaulting a woman.

Nicholas Smith appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, May 3.

The 24-year-old, of Pear Tree Lane, Newbury, is accused of intentionally strangling Stephanie Vincent.

He is further charged with assaulting Ms Vincent, thereby causing her actual bodily harm.

Both offences are said to have happened in Newbury on Thursday, May 1.

Mr Smith, who was legally represented by Heulwen Everton, was told the case was being sent to be dealt with by a judge and, in the event of a trial, by a jury sitting at Reading Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Mr Smith was meanwhile released on conditional bail.