A defendant aged in his mid-twenties has entered pleas of not guilty to rape charges at Oxford Crown Court, where proceedings commenced on August 27.

The accused, identified as Charlie Matthews, faces two counts of rape in connection with incidents alleged to have occurred in Oxford during April and October 2021.

The same female individual is named as the complainant in relation to both charges.

Matthews, whose address was listed as Langney Road in Eastbourne, entered denial pleas to both counts at the hearing.

His Honour Judge Ian Pringle KC indicated that approximately seven years have elapsed since the alleged offences took place.

The court was informed that the situation was unavoidable given the circumstances.

A trial has been scheduled for August 21, 2028, with proceedings expected to require between four and five days to complete.

Matthews was granted conditional bail, with the restriction that he must not approach or communicate with the complainant.