A NORTH Somerset man is to face trial accused of offences relating to someone wearing a black gimp suit in public.

Joshua Hunt, 32, is accused of two charges of putting someone in fear of provocation of violence under Section 4 of the Public Order Act.

North Somerset Magistrates’ Court heard the two summary only offences relate to incidents allegedly committed on May 7 and May 9 in the Bleadon and Cleeve areas.

Previous hearings have heard that female motorists driving at night reported to the police seeing a man in a black costume.

The defendant is accused of “using towards another person threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause that person to believe that immediate unlawful violence will be used against him or another by any person”.

Hunt, of Claverham, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the hearing.

Wearing a white shirt and brown trousers, the balding and bearded defendant shook his head to deny the two charges.

Robert Yates, prosecuting, told the court: “This is a case that has had quite a complex history and has been up to the crown court and come back.”

A trial date was not fixed but a case management hearing will take place before a district judge at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on August 16.

Eileen Westwood, presiding justice, released Hunt on unconditional bail until the next hearing.

“You pleaded not guilty to these offences and your case is going to be listed for the district judge to hear,” she said.

“That is going to be on August 16 for case management. We are going to adjourn these matters against you until that date.”

Hunt appeared in court last week where he was made subject of an order placing restrictions on his alleged behaviour.

Under the terms of the interim order, which will expire in January next year, Hunt is banned from wearing a mask or possessing one in a public place, wearing black all-in-one clothing or visiting the areas the offences are alleged to have taken place.