Portsmouth man, 27, set to go on trial after denying rape charge during court appearance

Steven Chariewa, 27, of Sun Street in Portsea, was arrested after a 26-year-old woman reported to police that she was raped at an address in Hilsea early on Sunday November 22.

Chariewa was subsequently charged with one offence of rape and remanded in custody during an appearance before city magistrates two days after the alleged rape.

Now the defendant, appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday, has denied the offence.

A trial date has now been set for July 12.

Chariewa remains remanded in custody until the trial.

The victim continues to receive support from specially trained officers.

SEE ALSO: Rapist jailed for infecting teenager with STI in alleyway

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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