A former boxing champion is to face trial at Worcester Crown Court on charges of blackmail, assault, robbery and intimidating a witness.

Ernest Loveridge, who once held the Midlands welterweight title, was remanded in custody for a hearing date to be fixed.

Loveridge, 31, of Mill Road, Stourport, pleaded not guilty to making unwarranted demands with menaces against Mark Cutajar for money and documents.

He also denied assaulting Mr Cutajar causing actual bodily harm, robbing him of a Ford Mondeo and intimidating him by stopping his lorry in front of his address.

Giles Detheridge, 21, of Hartle Lane, Belbroughton, pleaded not guilty to blackmail and robbery and will be tried at the same time. He was granted bail.