Reform UK councillor Billy Burke has denied possession of a knife in the street. The 67-year-old, from Trafford, appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (August 25) wearing a black suit, a green tie and a navy cap.
Not guilty plea entered
During the short hearing, Mr Burke entered a not guilty plea to the offence of possession of a bladed article. The charge relates to an alleged incident on Woodsend Crescent Road in Flixton on April 30.
Mr Burke was previously charged with possession of an offensive weapon, but prosecutors applied to have the charge withdrawn and for him to be charged with an alternative alleged offence. Andrew Hay, prosecuting, gave a brief summary of the alleged facts of the case.
Trial date set
David Campbell, representing Mr Burke, offered no representations. A trial date was set for September 29 this year at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court.
Davyhulme councillor Mr Burke, of Woodsend Crescent Road, was granted unconditional bail until the next hearing.
