Dean James Plowman (43), appeared at the Royal Court and entered not guilty pleas to 15 charges involving the same victim across a two-year period.

The 15 charges included seven counts of rape, one attempted rape, five counts of sexual penetration without consent, and two of grave and criminal assault.

Mr Plowman was also charged with two further sexual offences involving a second complainant, entering further not guilty pleas on these counts.

Crown Advocate Lauren Bell asked that the case be adjourned ahead of a plea and directions hearing arranged for 15 May, to be followed by a trial scheduled for 21 October.

The defendant was represented by Advocate James Bell.

Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae, presiding alongside Jurats Robert Christensen and Alison Opfermann, directed that Mr Plowman be bailed ahead of his next appearance before the court.