A man has pleaded not guilty to the assault which left a 21-year-old Brentwood man with a life-threatening injury.

Neil Richards, 27, of Upminster, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm after an incident in William Hunter Way, Brentwood.

The alleged attack took place at 3.30am on October 13 last year and left the victim needing rehabilitation treatment.

Richards entered the plea last Thursday (February 20) at Basildon Magistrate’s Court.

He has been sent for trial at Basildon Crown Court but the date has not yet been set.