MESSAGES sent from a man caused people to feel distressed and anxious, a court heard over Christmas.

However, Lee Nicholson (30), of St Helen's Street, Corbridge, denied a number of charges when he appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on December 23.

It is alleged that between May 6 and May 12 last year, Nicholson made telephone calls and left voicemails which caused distress of a female in Newcastle.

He is also accused of harassing the same woman by sending numerous text messages to her between June 24 and July 15 despite being asked not to on June 18.

Nicholson was also charged with two counts of making distressing communications to the National Probation Service in Newcastle by making calls, leaving voicemails and voice text messages between July 26 and July 31, and making telephone calls on November 11.

Furthermore, he pleaded not guilty to making similar calls to a man in Newcastle on November 12.

Nicholson was remanded on unconditional bail until his trial at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on April 12.

Two charges of harassment and one of making communication which caused distress or anxiety relating to the Hexham area were withdrawn.