Accused Darren Manning held a knife to a man's throat and threatened to "scar for life" a barmaid who told police his girlfriend had passed fake cash, a court heard.

Manning, 32, of Bath Street, Abingdon, is accused of walking into the Old Anchor pub, St Helen's Wharf, and making the threats after attacking assistant pub manager Richard Faulkner.

He denies intimidating a witness and carrying a sharp instrument, but admits a charge of common assault on Mr Faulkner by headbutting him.

Nicholas Syfret, prosecuting, told Oxford Crown Court how Manning's girlfriend, Clare Baker, was drinking in the pub in December last year and bought two rounds of drinks using two £20 notes.

Barmaid Natalie Chalmers became suspicious and checked the notes, which had identical serial numbers. Miss Baker was later arrested and questioned by police.

A month later, Manning went to the pub to see Mr Faulkner.

Miss Chalmers, who was in the pub that night but was not on duty, told the court: "He started shouting at him. He said 'Where's that Natalie, I'm going to scar her for life'.

"Richard said 'she's not here' and I did not bring myself to his attention. Darren was just walking close to Richard and Richard was back up against the wall. He grabbed him and put his hand in his pocket. He pulled out a knife and put it to his throat. "The pub came to a standstill. Darren was shouting then he headbutted Richard. I felt pretty scared."

Mr Syfret said when Manning left the pub he made a Nazi-style salute and shouted "Sieg Heil". before stepping out of the door.

The knife he is accused of using was never found, while the case against Miss Baker was dropped through lack of evidence.

The case continues.

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