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A man has denied animal welfare charges after he allegedly caused unnecessary suffering to two kittens - Baby and Panther - in Nottingham.

Aaron Barker, 25, of Songthrush Avenue, Basford, is accused of harming the four-month-old male and female kittens on January 20.

Barker entered not guilty to the allegations when he appeared at the city's magistrates' court on Wednesday (June 28).

After he was identified by his name, date of birth and address in the courtroom, the charges were read out to Barker.

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The first allegation covered an alleged incident at his home address where he was said to have caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, a male black kitten named Panther, by inflicting physical abuse, including blunt force trauma.

Barker also denies causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a black and white female kitten called Baby, by doing "an act or acts - namely the infliction of physical abuse, including blunt force trauma, which he knew or ought reasonably to have known would have the effect of causing unnecessary suffering or be likely to do so".

He faces an alternative charge that he "omitted to do an act, namely failing to exercise reasonable care and supervision in respect of Panther's protection from pain, suffering or injury, which he knew or ought reasonably to have known would have the effect of causing unnecessary suffering or be likely to do so".

He also faces the same alternative charge in relation to Baby.

Barker is charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

During today's short hearing, Barker, wearing black trousers and a blue long-sleeve shirt, sat in the courtroom as his case was discussed.

No further details were given about the background to the case or how Barker came to be charged, but a trial date was decided for one day on September 5, when the evidence will be heard.

The prosecutor was solicitor Louise O'Driscoll, for the RSPCA, while solicitor Amanda Parker represented Barker.

Chairman of the bench, Peter Forster, told Barker his case was now set down for trial, to take place in September, and he was required to be at court at 9.30am on that day. He was granted unconditional bail.