A COLCHESTER man accused of strangling a woman and using her bank card to pay for £400 of bets on bet365 will stand trial early next year.

Frazer Joyce, 24, of Groves Close, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing via a prison video link.

He pleaded not guilty to assaulting a woman causing her actual bodily harm, assaulting her by beating, intentional strangling and fraud.

Judge David Wilson refused an application for bail and directed that Joyce should remain in custody.

His trial, which is expected to last three days, will take place during a two-week warned list commencing February 26 next year.

A pre-trial review will take place on February 20.