A Wiltshire man has been accused of illegally owning an XL Bully.

Daniel Thomas, from North End, in Calne, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to having custody of a fighting dog and making a gift of a fighting dog on February 1, 2024.

The 32-year-old claims that he owned and gave Duchess away before the end of December 2023, when owning an unregistered dog of that breed became illegal. He has been released on unconditional bail until his trial on July 22.

Separately, Thomas pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in Calne on April 10, 2024.

Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said that the victim had been walking home at around 5pm, saw the defendant, and accused him of sleeping with someone.

Thomas responded with an abusive comment and "seemed intoxicated and aggressive". The victim suffered a kick to the ribs and cuts to his knee.

Mark Glendenning, defending, added: [Taylor] had already been assaulted and was in a state of confusion while walking down the road. He thought [the victim] was going for him and they went at each other, scrapping in the middle of the road."

Thomas' £120 fine and £48 to pay to victim services was covered by the time he had spent in custody, so he left court without any new fees.