A 90-YEAR-old man has appeared before magistrates at Bournemouth after being accused of attacking a member of staff at the care home where his wife lives.

Dennis Woodward, of Tower Road, Poole, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Sandra Allen by beating at the Canford Chase nursing home in Branksome Park on August 2 this year. His trial was set to take place at Bournemouth on November 25.

The pensioner, who walked into court on crutches, was banned from visiting his wife of 63 years, Hiltje Woodward, by the home’s owners, Colten Care, following the alleged incident.

Mrs Woodward, 88, suffered brain damage after an operation at Poole Hospital five years ago. Her husband cared for her at home until last year, when she fell and broke her hip.