TWO men charged racially abusing a taxi driver will stand trial after denying the allegations.

Vaneet Singh was driving the men from Reading to Basingstoke in September last year when they allegedly racially abused and assaulted him.

The incident is said to have happened as they were driving along the A33 on September 20, between 10.20 and 11.45pm.

Dean Brandon Smith, 19, of Paices Hill in Aldermaston, was charged with four counts of racially and religiously aggravated common assault, racially and religiously aggravated public order, theft, and threats to commit criminal damage.

Frankie Gregory, 19, of Moat Close in Bramley, was charged with racially or religiously aggravated common assault.

Both men appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, April 8) where they pleaded not guilty to all charges.

They will return to the same court on November 8 2021 to stand trial.

Additionally, Billy-Sam Simon Shervell, 20, of Honeysuckle Close in Swindon, was charged with racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage in connection with the same incident.

His case has been adjourned until May 13, also at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.