A CIRCUS boss has opted to appear at Leeds Crown Court facing charges of common assault, affray and criminal damage.
Jeffrey Mackie, 55, currently living at Circus King's winter quarters, at Honington Junction, Grantham, Lincolnshire, appeared before Leeds Magistrates this week.
He was charged with threatening two sightseers as they attempted to film circus animals when the circus visited Otley in July, and damaging their cars on July 14.
Mackie did not indicate any plea, but said he wanted to have the case heard at crown court. He is to appear at Leeds Crown Court on November 8.
He was granted bail on condition he lives at the circus.
l The RSPCA is demanding Circus King takes down
defamatory signs criticising the organisation.
Circus King put up signs claiming the RSPCA gave three dogs to police who kicked and tortured them.
The circus put up the signs when it visited Otley, Scarborough and Barnsley, and continues to display them at its winter quarters, despite a verbal warning from Barnsley Police under the Public Order Act.
The RSPCA says it will consider legal action if the signs are not taken down.
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