A Bristol man accused of assault will stand trial next week despite his health problems, magistrates have decided.

Martin Longman, 56, of Fishponds Road, is accused of assaulting Sally Bowden on May 20.

Jon Rogers, defending, had hoped to get his client's trial adjourned. But Robert Allen, prosecuting, said medical evidence did not necessitate adjourning the trial.

Magistrates ordered that Longman attend Bristol Magistrates' Court on November 5 for a trial.