A MAN charged with stalking a woman, assaulting her and stealing her underwear has elected to face a trial by jury.

Ronald Pollitt, of Peterley Road, Oxford, appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court yesterday faced with four counts - two thefts, one assault and another of stalking.

They all relate to incidents involving one woman between September and October this year at Iffley Road and Barns Road, Oxford.

The 55-year old pleaded not guilty to stalking, and to two counts of theft and did not enter a plea to common assault.

Magistrates sent the matter to the crown court and Pollitt was bailed to appear at Oxford Crown Court on December 14.