A WORCESTER man will stand trial over allegations he harassed a woman by sending emails linking her to the death of a police officer.

Michael Arnold, of Jasmine Close, denies a charge of harassment without violence against Katie Frankish over a two-year period.

Arnold, 59, is alleged to have harassed Mrs Frankish by sending false, distressing and indirectly threatening emails claiming she was linked to the death of WPC Yvonne Fletcher in 1984, to numerous recipients.

He is also said to have claimed she was linked to other serious criminal acts, claimed she worked for British intelligence and that her life was in danger.

It is also alleged Mr Arnold researched her personal history, obtained official public documents – such as her marriage certificate, searched social media accounts belonging to her and Peter Frankish, and downloaded pictures of them and their children, which he sent to numerous recipients.

The offences are alleged to have taken place over a period between January 1, 2015, and February 8, 2017.

Arnold appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court for a second case management hearing on Thursday, May 4.

During the pre-trial hearing, Mr Arnold again said he was not guilty of the charge.

District judge, Nigel Cadbury, set a date for a trial, which is scheduled to be heard over two days on October 10 and October 13 at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Arnold is under conditional bail, which instructs him not to contact directly or indirectly Peter Frankish, Katie Frankish or any member of their family or friends.