A NEWTON Abbot man has denied kidnapping a woman on New Year’s Day and stealing her dog more than a week later.
John Matthews, aged 37, formerly of Primrose Drive, Newton Abbot, was remanded in custody at Exeter Crown Court after pleading not guilty to four charges.
He denied kidnapping a woman on January 1, 2023 and causing her actual bodily harm by assaulting her on the same day.
He also denied robbing the same woman of a dog and possessing a hammer as an offensive weapon in East Street, both on January 10, 2023.
He admitted personal possession of a small quantity of cannabis on January 19, 2023.
Recorder Mr Mathew Turner remanded him in custody and set a trial date of August 7 this year.