A BRIDGWATER man accused of harassing a senior housing officer at South Somerset District Council has been ordered to stand trial in August.

Nicki Lee Maynard-Hughes, is alleged to have made numerous calls and sent offensive messages to the complainant over a seven month period causing her distress.

The 32-year-old defendant, of Monmouth Street, appeared in the dock before Somerset Magistrates, sitting at Yeovil.

He was charged that Between May 1, 2018 and November 23, 2018 at Yeovil he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment of Barbie Markey in that he made various calls and sent messages of an offensive nature.

Maynard-Hughes pleaded not guilty to the offence and said that while he admitted sending the messages he did not mean to cause Ms Markey harassment.

He also said that he had been asked to contact the housing authority regarding him being homeless.

A review of the case was conducted and it was adjourned until August 22 when a trial is scheduled to take place. He was given unconditional bail.