A man who intervened in a dispute between children and punched one of them will have to stand trial in the matter next month.

Yesterday, when the matter was called up in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court, the accused Mark Jackson pleaded not guilty.

Jackson is charged with cruelty to child.

The court was told that during a dispute among children, Jackson allegedly folded his fist and punched the complainant in her belly, causing her to fall to the floor in pain.

The court heard that she was assisted to the doctor for treatment.

A medical report was also outstanding.

Jackson will stand trial on March 12 and he was ordered to give his prints to the police.