An Ilkley dentist accused of causing actual bodily harm to a woman has appeared before a crown court judge.

Jonathan Cape, 45, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Allie Winslade, causing her actual bodily harm, on June 9 last year, when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.

Cape, who was wearing a grey suit, white shirt and blue tie, answered “yes I am,” when asked to confirm his name by the court clerk during the five-minute hearing.

Prosecutor Conor Quinn said that a trial date had already been allocated for February 26. The trial is estimated to last at least two days. He said the prosecution was clarifying medical evidence.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas QC, directed that the evidence be served within 14 days.

Cape’s barrister, Kate Batty, said a defence statement would be served which would indicate a malicious allegation and the complainant had a pre-existing injury.

Mr Quinn added that there may be a bad character application in relation to a previous history of violence between the parties.

Cape, of South Parade, Ilkley, sat with his hands clasped together, and flanked in the dock by a security officer, during the short hearing.

A further order was made for hospital and GP notes, relating to the complainant, to be disclosed within 14 days.

Judge Peter Benson adjourned the plea and case management hearing and granted further bail to Cape on condition that he does not contact the complainant.

The judge said: “Your trial will take place on February 26, when you must attend or you will be in breach of bail. I will renew bail subject to the one condition you had before.”

  • Cape is registered with the General Dental Council at premises in South Parade, Ilkley. He was first registered in January 1993.