A MAN has denied causing damage costing £1,000 to repair at graveyard in Bowling Cemetery.

MIchael Colgan of Tong Street, will now face a trial in September over allegations he damaged headstones on June 17.

He was due to appear before Bradford magistrates on Tuesday, but the court was read a letter from his mother to say he would not be able to attend because he was at Glastonbury festival - which ended on Sunday.

Unimpressed magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest.

The 28-year-old appeared in custody at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court yesterday, admitting a charge of failing to attend court but denying the criminal damage.

He represented himself and when asked what the basis of his not guilty plea was, he said: "I didn't do it, that's why."

Bench chairman John Waterhouse advised Colgan to speak to a solicitor, but he replied: "No, I don't want to speak to one."

His trial is set for September 10 and Colgan was given bail on the condition he did not enter Bowling Cemetery.

Mr Waterhouse advised Colgan to tell his mother when his trial was so she could help make sure he attended.