A MAN from Blaenffos near Cardigan is to stand trial accused of coercion.

Andrew Charles Murphy, aged 45, today attended a plea and trial preparation hearing before Judge Paul Thomas at Swansea crown court.

Murphy, of Bramble Wood Drive, is charged with using controlling and coercive behaviour towards Donna Springett while in an intimate relationship.

Nicola Powell, prosecuting, said the behaviour included isolating Miss Springett, sending her abusive messages, sending her 91 unwanted messages and forcing her to stop accessing Facebook.

Murphy is also charged with assaulting Miss Springett by beating on four occasions between January and April, and of assaulting her on April 25 causing her actual bodily harm.

Murphy is also charged with kidnapping Miss Springett on April 25 by refusing to let her out of his car.

Murphy entered pleas of not guilty to all the charges.

A three- day trial will begin on September 20 and he was granted bail until then.