A Co Down bar and restaurant owner has been ordered to stand trial later this year accused of a serious assault.
Gareth Richard Howard (43), of Regency Square, Bangor, appeared on Friday at Downpatrick Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, for a brief arraignment hearing.
Howard, who owns Teddy's Bar and Grill in the city's Castle Street, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a male on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
Judge Geoffrey Miller KC told Howard who stood in the dock dressed in a black suit and white open neck shirt: "You have now pleaded not guilty to the single count you face.
"A trial date has been set for October 3, 2023 in Downpatrick Crown Court and I will review the case on September 8, 2023 but you are not required to attend on that date.
"Any change in attitude to your plea should be communicated to the court.
"In the meantime, you are released on continuing bail.''
No details were given in court about the alleged assault.