The trial of a serving Cheshire West and Chester councillor accused of attacking a political rival has been adjourned.

Simon Boone, who was elected as Winsford Swanlow councillor for the Winsford Salt of the Earth group last May, had pleaded not guilty at Crewe Magistrates' Court last September on two charges – one of assault by beating and another of using threatening or abusive words/behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The charges related to an incident alleged to have taken place on Swanlow Lane, Winsford, on April 30 last year, between the accused and his alleged victim - Stuart Bingham, Labour councillor for Winsford Over and Verdin.

Following his not guilty plea, the trial had been scheduled to start today, Monday, but Mr Boone’s solicitor told the court information requested from the Crown Prosecution Service had not yet been received, namely CCTV footage and a political pamphlet being distributed at the time by Mr Bingham, in what was then the run-up to local government elections.

Denise Rankin, chairman of the bench, agreed to adjourn proceedings.  Granting unconditional bail, she told Mr Boone, 55, of Crook Lane, Winsford, he would be required to attend Chester Magistrates’ Court on March 4 for a case management hearing before a district judge.