A man who denies raping a woman in Penrith is to stand trial in front of a jury later this year.
Billy Payne, 22, faced a total of five charges during a brief appearance at Carlisle Crown Court today.
Three charges allege that Payne raped the woman. One charge alleges sexual assault and a further charge alleges assault by penetration.
Payne pleaded not guilty to all five charges, which arise out of alleged incidents dating back to September 8 2019.
A trial was fixed, is due to start on September 18 this year and, it is estimated, this will last around three to four days.
In the meantime Payne, of Raikes Road, Skipton, was granted unconditional bail. He was reminded by Judge Nicholas Barker of the need to assist his legal team in the intervening period to produce a statement which sets out his defence to the allegations.
