A man alleged to have made nuisance phone calls which were said to have left the victims psychologically damaged has appeared before Burnley Magistrates.

Ian George Parry, 48, of Pennine Road, Bacup, faces eight allegations of assault causing actual bodily harm, between last March and August. He did not enter pleas.

The bench decided that the case should be heard at the crown court and the defendant was bailed until March 5 to await committal proceedings.

He must live at his home address, not contact prosecution witnesses and must not make any telephone calls, except in an emergency.