A WETHERAL woman has denied an allegation of harassment and a charge of using threating behaviour.

Diane France, 58, of St Constantine’s Way, made a brief appearance before Carlisle’s Rickergate court, where the two charges she faces were formally put to her. Those charges are as follows:

* That on November 15, 2021, at Wetheral, she pursued a course of conduct which amounted to harassment of a named female, posting several Facebook messages which referred to that person in a “derogatory way.”

* And that on January 12, at Wetheral, with intent to cause another named female “harassment, alarm or distress”, she used threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour.

After France had entered her not guilty pleas, magistrates adjourned the case for a trial on August 25. The trial is expected to last four hours.

The defendant, who was represented by defence lawyer Chris Toms, spoke only to confirm her personal details and enter her pleas. She was granted unconditional bail until she is next back before the court.

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