Kumara charged at Richard Hughes three times

Richard Hughes, 34, from Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, was attacked by a four-ton Asian cow elephant called Kumara in February 2001.

He suffered brain damage and died nine days later with his parents and girlfriend by his side.

North of England Zoological Society, which runs Chester Zoo, pleaded not guilty, at Chester Magistrates' Court on Monday, to breaching section two of the Health and Safety Act.

'Catastrophic injuries'

None of its bosses was named at the hearing.

Prosecutors allege the society failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, specifically in relation to the elephant enclosure, between 14 February 2000 and 8 February 2001.

Iain Goldrein, representing Chester City Council, told the court the case revolved around Kumara's previous form for dangerous behaviour and the alleged lack of sufficient written safety protocols to protect the keepers.

The court heard how Mr Hughes was struck by the 30-year-old Asian elephant as he herded her into an outdoor enclosure.

She then charged at him three times with her trunk.

Mr Goldrein said the keeper suffered "catastrophic injuries".

The hearing was adjourned until 19 January when the case will appear before magistrates again so a date can be fixed for a trial at Chester Crown Court.