A KINGSTEIGNTON man has appeared at Exeter Crown Court accused of attempting to injure a police officer while armed with a hammer and an axe.

Christopher Harper is alleged to have had a sword as an offensive weapon on the same day as the incident near his home in Avery Hill. He is also accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against a former partner.

Harper, aged 49, who worked at Langdon Hospital in Dawlish, was not arraigned when he appeared before Judge Timothy Rose by video link from Exeter Prison. He set a provisional trial date of February 10 next year and remanded him in custody.

He is accused of attempting to wound a police officer with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on the morning of September 10 this year. He is accused of possession of an axe and a lump hammer in a public place at Avery Hill on the same date.

Harper is also alleged to have damaged a police vehicle and to have possessed a sword as an offensive weapon.

A further charge accuses him of coercive and controlling behaviour between March 2017 and September 10 this year.

Mr Adrian Chaplin, defending, said further psychiatric inquiries are necessary before he is able to enter pleas.

The case was adjourned until a fresh plea and trial preparation hearing on December 16.