A MAN from Ashburton is to stand trial at Exeter Crown Court accused of strangling his partner during a controlling and coercive relationship.

Zachary Coleman, aged 34, of Higher Roborough, Ashburton, pleaded not guilty to six offences when he appeared by video link from Exeter Prison.

He denied controlling and coercive behaviour between October 1, 2022 and April 1, 2023, and is alleged to have damaged his former partner’s property, checked her communications with other men and caused her to fear violence on at least two occasions.

He also pleaded not guilty to two offences of intentional strangulation, dating to December last year and  March 1 this year, causing her grievous bodily harm with intent on March 7, 2023, assault by beating in December 2022 and criminal damage in the same month.

Judge Peter Johnson remanded him in custody and set a provisional trial date of January 29, 2024.