Mick Bates AM denies assault charges

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates today denied assaulting three people - including a paramedic - on a night out.

Bates, 62, of Meifod near Welshpool, did not appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court today. However his solicitor Stuart Hutton entered not guilty pleas to three charges of common assault by beating.

The incident is alleged to have taken place as Bates was leaving a restaurant in Cardiff in January.

The case was adjourned until August 10.