A MAN accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman in an Eden district village is due to stand trial later this year.
Robert Scott Bell, 21, answered two charges when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today (MON).
These arise out of alleged incidents which are said to have taken place near Penrith on Christmas Eve last year.
One alleges the rape of the woman, and the second alleges a separate sexual assault on the same female.
During a short hearing in front of Judge Nicholas Barker, Bell pleaded not guilty to both of the allegations he faces.
A timetable for the progression of the case was outlined by the prosecution.
Bell is due to stand trial in front of a jury at the crown court. This hearing is due to start on August 3 and, it is estimated, will last around four days.
A pre-trial hearing is due to take place at the court in late July, and in the meantime Bell, of Main Street, Cockermouth, was granted conditional bail by Judge Barker.
