A MAN accused of raping a 71-year-old woman in Chester has appeared in court, nearly 15 years after the alleged crime took place.
Paul Robertshaw appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday for a plea and case management hearing before Judge David Hale.
Robertshaw, 45, who lives in a caravan in Stockbridge Lane, Doncaster, was arrested by Cheshire detectives last September.
It is alleged that Robertshaw committed rape and seriously assaulted a 71-year-old woman in Chester in November, 1996.
Robertshaw is alleged to have broken into the woman’s home before violently attacking her and subjecting her to sexual intercourse without her consent.
At Friday’s hearing, he pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape.
The case was adjourned and a preliminary trial date was set for April 11.
Robertshaw was remanded in custody until the trial date after Judge Hale extended the custody time limit.
No application for bail was made.