An Isle of Wight man will appear before the crown court after allegedly threatening a Sandown hotel manager with a knife.

Thomas Riordan, of no fixed abode, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 25, and pleaded not guilty to several charges.

It is alleged that the 26-year-old threatened the manager of Broadway Park Hotel with a knife at about 10.30pm on April 23.

Mr Riordan claims he did not have a knife and no blade was ever recovered.

He pleaded not guilty to assault, criminal damage to property valued under £5,000 and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place.

He will appear at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for a hearing on June 5.

Update (November 15): Riordan has been cleared of these charges after a trial.