A DARLINGTON man is due to go on trial next year after pleading not guilty to a catalogue of charges.

Aaron Drummond is accused of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, intimidating a witness, burglary and two charges of criminal damage.

The 20-year-old of Whitby Way, appeared at Teesside Crown Court via videolink from Durham Prison.

Judge Howard Crowson heard how the defendant is accused of scratching the word 'grass' onto two vehicles on August 12 after being reported for the driving offences two days earlier.

The court heard that the burglary – where garden furniture was stolen – the criminal damage and witness intimidation charges were all related to the same incident involving a former partner of the defendant and one of her relatives.

Drummond spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth before entering his not guilty pleas during the short hearing on Friday afternoon.

The judge said a provisional trial date had been set for March 17 next year.