Northern Ireland

18-year-old remanded in custody charged with rape

An 18-year-old man has been charged with rape
An 18-year-old man has been charged with rape An 18-year-old man has been charged with rape

AN 18-year-old Belfast man has been remanded in custody charged with rape.

Ronan Hutchinson, of Sunnyside Drive in the city, also faces a second count of sexual assault by penetration.

The alleged offences were committed against a female in the greater Belfast area last Sunday.

Appearing before the city's magistrates court dressed in a grey tracksuit, Hutchinson spoke only to confirm he understood the claims against him.

A detective sergeant said he could connect him to the charges.

Hutchinson's solicitor put no questions to the officer and did not seek his client's release at this stage.

"It's a serious matter and it's at a very early stage," the lawyer said.

"We do have difficulties with a bail address at this point."

District Judge Alan White remanded the accused in custody to appear again by video-link in two weeks' time.