A NIGHTCLUB boss is due to face trial today on sex and drugs charges, including allegedly using cocaine to 'stupefy and overpower' an alleged victim.

Darren Pinches, owner of Bushwackers and Browns in Worcester, appeared at Warwickshire Justice Centre yesterday ahead of his trial, due to start today (Thursday).

The hearing yesterday began at 11.30am in court three and Pinches, who wore a dark suit and a tie, spoke only to confirm his name when asked by the clerk.

Legal arguments, which lasted for the rest of the morning, then began which were heard by judge Sylvia de Bertodano.

Pinches, aged 52 and of Bromyard Road, St John's, Worcester was formally arraigned in February this year at Worcester Crown Court where he denied all allegations against him.

Pinches denied administering a substance (cocaine) with intent to stupefy or overpower the complainant so as to enable him to engage in sexual activity with her on January 1, 2017.

He further denied sexual assault, also on January 1, 2017 which was said to involve the sexual touching of the complainant without Pinches reasonably believing she was consenting.

Pinches denied possession of cocaine on January 13, 2017, supplying cocaine between February 9 and February 15, 2016 and offering to supply cocaine between February 3 and February 5, 2015.

At the hearing yesterday Robin Shellard appeared for the prosecution and Michael Burrows QC for the defence. Miranda Moore QC is expected to be senior counsel for the prosecution during the trial.

The Pinches family owns Sin in New Street, Browns at the Quay, and Bushwackers in Trinity Street.

The case has three complainants and is expected to involved video recorded interviews and live witnesses.