Edward Terrill Stewart, 46, of Austin pleaded not guilty on Thursday in Mower County District Court to felony domestic assault.

According to court documents, Stewart was arrested on May 24 for allegedly assaulting a woman after an argument over her not answering his text messages. The alleged victim told police that Stewart had punched her, scratched her neck and broke her cochlear implant. An officer photographed a scratch on the woman’s neck.

Stewart denied assaulting the woman, saying he hit a wall and a vehicle, according to court documents. While at the Mower County Jail, Stewart said the woman assaulted him. An officer photographed a scratch on Stewart’s neck.

Officers spoke to a neighbor, who said he heard noise coming from the residence and the woman came over and asked him to call the police, according to court documents.

A review of Stewart’s criminal history shows prior convictions for domestic assault and violating a domestic abuse no contact order.

Stewart’s pre-trial is scheduled for Aug. 31.