A MAN has denied assaulting his wife at their former home.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday Simon Hookway, 44, of Inglis Road, Colchester, was accused of barging a door into the victim and taking hold of her arm to push her out the way during an altercation.

He denied one charge of assault by beating on October 13 at his former home in Burr Close, Ramsey.

The court heard how the pair were going through divorce proceedings and Hookway considered the claims to be malicious.

Chairman of the bench, Don Wicks, granted Hookway conditional bail on the basis he did not speak to the victim except via solicitors, or go within 100 yards of Burr Close, Ramsey.

A trial date has been set for March 8.