Former showjumper faces trial on assault allegation

A FORMER member of the Household Cavalry will face trial over allegations that he attacked another man at a Devon showjumping event.

Dean Johnson, 48, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Roger Jones, occasioning actual bodily harm at Bicton Arena, when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Friday.

It is alleged that Johnson attacked Mr Jones in the early hours of May 25 this year.

The defendant, from Emsworth, in Hampshire, was attending the Bicton horse trials in East Devon.

Johnson was once a member of the Household Cavalry and is a former showjumper. Prosecutor Tom Bradnock and defence counsel Anne Bellchambers attended the hearing.

It is alleged that Mr Jones suffered a painful, swollen head and was knocked unconscious during the incident.

The two-day trial was initially listed for January 27. Judge Graham Cottle then said it could instead begin on December 14 this year, if a spot because available in the court timetable that day.

He told Johnson: "You may have bail as before. I list your case, it's not a definite listing, it's an entirely possible listing."

"Thank you your honour," said Johnson, before he left the court.