A north Cumbrian man who denies the alleged rape of three different women is to stand trial in front of a jury next year.
James Routledge, 23, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning and formally faced a charge sheet containing a total of 10 allegations.
Eight of the charges allege rapes which are said to have occurred during a period of time spanning around three years. Three different women are named as complainants in court papers.
An additional charge alleges an actual bodily harm physical assault, while one further charge alleges a sexual assault.
During a short hearing in front of Judge Andrew Jefferies QC, Routledge appeared in the dock and pleaded not guilty to each of the charges as they were read in turn by a court clerk.
A timetable for the progression of his case was outlined, and a trial date was identified. This is due to start on May 16 2022, and has a time estimate of six to seven days.
In the meantime, Routledge, of Wellgate, Scotby, near Carlisle, was granted bail by Judge Jefferies.
His bail has a number of conditions, one of which prohibits him from having any contact with specified witnesses in the case.
