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.