A LABOURER alleged to have broken a man’s kneecap outside a pub has denied grievous bodily harm.

Joshua Sergeant denied attacking victim Lee Charlton during a night out at the King's Head pub in Victoria Place, Brightlingsea.

He appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, also charged with affray which he denied, following the incident in May.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction of the case.

Sergeant, 22, of Waterside Marina, Brightlingsea, was granted conditional bail until he appears at Chelmsford Crown Court.

A plea and trial preparation hearing was scheduled to take place on September 5.

Sergeant was told he must avoid contact with prosecution witnesses including the alleged victim and his brother.

He is also subject to a daily curfew and must report to Clacton police station.