A MAN has pleaded not guilty to a number of charges in connection with the possession of weapons and explosive making equipment.

Simon Flint will stand trial in December after being charged with eight offences following a police operation in Bishop Auckland on Friday, June 28.

Mr Flint, who has an address at Meadowfield Drive, Eaglescliffe, has been charged with making threats to kill, possession of an explosive substance, two charges of possession of offensive weapons, possession of a weapon for the discharge of pepper spray, two charges of possession of a bladed article in public and a public order offence.

In August, he appeared at Durham Crown Court when the charges were put to him.

This morning the defendant, who appeared in court via a video link, pleaded not guilty to a further charge of possession of explosive substances including pipes, a battery, transmitters, receivers and a number of chemicals including glycerine and acid.

The trial is listed at Teesside Crown Court in December.