A man has denied sexually assaulting a woman in Carlisle as she was walking home from work.
Martin Bennell, 22, has pleaded not guilty to the charge, which relates to an incident in the city on Wednesday.
This alleges that he sexually assaulted the woman: that the touching was sexual when she did not consent, and that Bennell did not reasonably believe she was consenting.
Bennell appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning.
He spoke to confirm his name and date of birth, that he is currently of no fixed address and to plead not guilty to the charge.
An outline of the allegation was given by prosecutor Diane Jackson.
Bennell is next due to stand trial at the magistrates’ court where a number of witnesses are due to give evidence. This hearing is due to take place on October 22 and in the meantime Bennell has been remanded in custody.
