A SWANSEA Valley man and his Cwmgors mate face a trial just days before Christmas after denying a string of racially-agravatted offences.

Darren Joseph Neesham, of 11a Herbert Street in Pontardawe, and Alan Peter Lewis, of 46 Heol y Gors, both pleaded not guilty to a total of six charges, alleged to have taken place on January 20 this year.

Neesham, 29, denies assaulting Bhaji takeaway worker Omrit Ali, damaging glasses, a door and a Renault Megane belonging to takeaway owner Abdul Satir, and leaving the outlet without paying for their food.

Lewis, 29, also denies damaging the Megane and refusing to pay the £38.15 food bill.

Neath magistrates adjourned the case until 10am on December 19 for witnesses to attend a trial at the court.

An earlier hearing had been adjourned after Neesham was charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a road collision with a Neath taxi while he was being chased by police in July. Taxi driver Raymond Tristram died during the smash.

The court heard how Neesham had been seriously injured in the incident but is now set to appear in crown court for a preliminary hearing on November 12.

Officers involved in the chase were cleared of any blame.