A former vice-chairman of Arlesey Town Council denied assaulting his wife when he appeared before a crown court judge today.

David West, 56, of St Peter’s Avenue, is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding his wife Brenda West in Arlesey on October 11 last year.

At Luton Crown Court today, before Judge Philip Bartle QC, he denied a charge of GBH.

After the charge was read to him, Mr West – wearing a grey jumper – replied in a loud, clear voice: “Not guilty, not guilty.”

He had previously pleaded not guilty before Luton magistrates on February 20.

Mr West’s trial will take place at some point in the fortnight starting on June 19.