A 43-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to the rape of a 14-year-old girl in a city centre park.

Nicholas Foreman, of Christchurch, Dorset, appeared at Southampton Crown Court where he entered not guilty pleas to three charges of rape and one of sexual assault.

The offences were alleged to have taken place in Houndwell Park in the south coast city at about 10.30pm on February 15.

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A spokesperson for Hampshire police said that the complainant was being supported by specialist officers.

Judge Christopher Parker KC set a trial date of July 28 and remanded the defendant in custody.

He told him: “The trial in your case is going to take place on 28th July, you will remain in custody until then.”