A KENDAL man accused of sexually assaulting a woman and trying to rape her has appeared in front of a judge.

Kevin Houghton, 43, faces four charges.

One alleges attempting to rape a woman; two allege that he sexually assaulted her, and a fourth alleges that he caused the same person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

All of the charges arise out of alleged incidents which are said to have occurred on a date in May this year.

Houghton, of Highgate, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon (WED).

During a short hearing before Judge James Adkin, he pleaded not guilty to all four of the charges he faces.

A trial - estimated to last around three days - has been listed to take start at the crown court on July 8.

In the meantime, Houghton - who was represented by barrister Sarah Magill - was granted conditional bail by Judge Adkin.