Suspended Tory councillor Brian Coleman is due to appear in court tomorrow accused of beating a woman in the street.

The former Barnet mayor faces charges of assault by beating and driving without reasonable care during an altercation in North Finchley High Road on September 20.

Prosecutors allege the former head of the London Fire Authority lunged at café owner Helen Michael while she took pictures of his illegally parked car on her mobile phone.

He is then alleged to have clipped a parked van as he attempted to drive away from the melee.

Councillor Coleman pleaded not guilty to the accusations during a hearing on November 5.

The long-standing politician has been suspended from the national Conservative party pending the outcome of tomorrow’s hearing at Uxbridge Magistrate’s Court.

He remains a member of Barnet Council but is currently sitting as an independent.

For live coverage of the hearing, follow chief reporter Chris Hewett on Twitter via @TimesChewit1987 and for a full write-up of events in court, visit the Times Series website.