A COUNCILLOR accused of breaching a restraining order claims he was with a friend six miles away at the time, a trial heard.

Maldon district councillor Chrisy Morris has denied breaching two separate court orders.

The jury heard he went to his alleged victim's address in Witham at about 10pm on January 5, 2020, despite an order to stay away from her.

The woman and her partner said they heard “seven loud bangs and breaking glass”.

Their car windscreens were allegedly smashed.

The woman’s partner identified a man walking away from the address as Morris, who is representing himself at the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

But the court heard the defendant was at the Mill House Hotel, in Langford, when the alleged incident happened.

He was living at the hotel at the time.

The hotel's Richard Perry said they were having a "good old chat" about the forthcoming elections that night, while the Christmas decorations were being taken down.

The prosecution claim Morris, 47, could have driven to Witham and back in about 30 minutes.

But Mr Perry said Morris was there all night.

The suggestion he had been asked to provide an alibi by Morris was "absolutely ridiculous".

Mr Perry said he later refused to give a policeman a statement because the officer was "sarcastic and obnoxious" and his attitude "stank".

The hotel's Carey Martin told the court there had been no chance for Morris to slip away that night.

But in closing, the prosecution told the jury: "You can't believe the evidence you have heard," adding the two witnesses had "been told what to say – they are covering for their friend".

Morris also denies breaching a non-molestation order on July 22, 2019.

He said it was a coincidence he was outside the woman's new home in Witham the day after she moved there and he had been to an appointment at a school in the town.

The prosecution said that was a "convenient excuse" and he had been seen "scoping out the address".

The trial continues.