A 36-year-old Worcester man is due to appear in court today for his trial following allegations he knocked his partner out with a vacuum cleaner.

Christopher Holder of Swallowfields, Warndon Villages, Worcester, denied a total of nine counts when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court in March.

His trial, which is expected to last three days, is scheduled to start today.

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Holder faces a charge of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two common assaults, two charges of possession of an offensive weapon (knives), one of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and one of driving while disqualified.

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Andrew Wallace, prosecuting, said on the last occasion that the case involved allegations that the defendant had used items to knock the female complainant unconscious, including by throwing a vacuum cleaner at her. Another allegation involves her being knocked out when her head is said to have struck a fireplace.

Judge James Burbidge QC will hear the case. He said on the previous occasion: "These charges are extremely serious."

Other cases being heard today include trial assessments in the cases of Jason Bowker and Paul Capuvanno and a plea and trial preparation hearing for Andrew MacLachlan. The case of Simon Edge is also listed for mention.