A 35-year-old man has denied possessing a metal baseball bat and making threats to doorstaff outside a Worcester nightclub.

Faiyaz Qazi denied possession of an offensive weapon outside Bushwackers in Trinity Street, Worcester, when he appeared over videolink from HMP Birmingham at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

He further denied using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour (section four public order offence) towards Bushwackers doorstaff. Both charges are said by the prosecution to relate to an incident which is alleged to have taken place on February 4 this year.

Jackie Rogers, prosecuting, said CCTV had captured the defendant with a metal baseball bat outside Bushwackers nightclub.

Mrs Rogers said: "There are a number of bouncers who are standing near the gateway of the establishment. He's seen gesturing towards them with the bat. He's also seen striking the bat on the pavement. Other people, who appear to be with him, are trying to move him away at that point. His behaviour is described as being threatening." Magistrates accepted jurisdiction for the case, saying it was suitable for a summary trial. When given the choice of where he would like the case to be heard, at the magistrates court or before judge and jury at the crown court, the defendant opted for the trial to be heard by magistrates.

The trial, which is expected to last half a day, is due to be heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on January 4 next year. The case is scheduled to start at 2pm. He was granted unconditional bail in relation to both charges.