A SWANSEA Valley woman faces a New Year trial after denying assaulting two women in the village.

Deborah Ann Thomas, of 62 Lon Tan Yr Allt in Alttwen, entered not guilty pleas to two charges of assault when she appeared before Neath magistrates last week.

The 42-year-old was charged in relation to an incident that took place at the start of the year.

The prosecution alleges that Thomas assaulted Rhian Claire Hanford and Nichola Simone Jarrett on Thursday, February 28.

Neath magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-trial review to take place later this month after a brief hearing last Wednesday.

The bench was told that a substantial number of witnesses were due to be called and efforts were already under way to cut the list.

The case is due to continue on November 28 when the pre-trial review will be held.

Magistrates listed the trial for January and told Thomas she must be present for both the pre-trial review and the trial itself.

“If you do not attend, we will continue in your absence,” they said.

Thomas was granted unconditional bail by magistrates.

The trial is due to take place on January 9 at 10am in Neath magistrates court.