A “DISTINGUISHED” Hampshire soldier has denied inflicting grievous bodily harm on a member of the public.

Corporal Sam Watt, 28, will now stand trial for an alleged attack on Stephen Hurley in April this year.

Winchester Crown Court heard how Watt is stationed at Army Training Regiment Winchester.

Robert Pawson, defending, told of his “distinguished army background” at a plea hearing this week.

Watt wore a grey suit with poppy when he made a brief appearance in the dock.

He is due to be tried in February on one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm.