A TEENAGER has denied wounding with intent following an alleged attack with a pool ball which left a man with 'permanent damage' to his optic nerve.

Brandon Taylor, who has a care of address of St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, Worcester, denied wounding with intent (section 18) when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday.

The 18-year-old denied the offence against Christopher Lancaster on February 21 this year.

The case was prosecuted by Michael Aspinall who said the victim had suffered permanent damage to his his optic nerve.

Judith Kenney, for Taylor, said there was no dispute as to what happened and there had been an admission to an assault. However, she said the 'level of the charge' (section 18 wounding) was contested by her client.

Taylor must serve his defence statement by December 11 this year ahead of the trial.

A pre-trial review will take place on January 27 next year.

The trial itself was placed in a warned list for February 10 next year.

This means the trial could begin on or in the three weeks following that date.

The trial is expected to last a day and will include CCTV footage.