Reading Magistrates' Court: Thatcham man to go on trial accused of strangling female

A MAN has been accused of a strangulation offence against a female under a recently-introduced new law.

Benjamin Small also stands accused of other violent offences.

The 30-year-old, of Paynesdown Road, Thatcham, has denied intentionally strangling a female.

Non-fatal strangulation was made a specific offence punishable by up to five years in prison after it became a designated offence earlier this year.

Mr Small has further pleaded not guilty to assaulting that same female by beating her and to beating two other females, none of whom can be named for legal reasons.

All the offences are said to have been committed in Thatcham on the same date earlier this year.

Mr Small, who was legally represented by Robert Jacques, spoke only to confirm his details and to plead not guilty to each offence.

He was told the hearing could proceed no further that day and the case was adjourned for a trial to be arranged.

Mr Small was meanwhile released on bail with conditions.