A BURGLAR has appeared in court accused of trying to kill a resident in a West Devon village.

Ben Frost, aged 28, faced a judge to deny the attempted murder of the man in Buckland Monachorum. He has pleaded guilty to assaulting 34-year-old Shaun McClaughlin and burglary on June 18.

Mr McClaughlin suffered serious head and facial injuries after an incident near the Drake Manor Inn.

Frost, who had lived in Buckland Monachorum, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court via video link from Exeter Prison.

He denied attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Frost pleaded guilty to the less serious alternative of causing grievous bodily harm without intent. He also admitted burgling a home in Buckland Monachorum that night, taking items, including trainers and a bottle full of an unknown amount of money.

Frost is to face trial on the more serious offences in a hearing set to last two weeks, starting on January 24.

Judge Paul Darlow remanded Frost back into custody