A MAN and woman facing a joint charge of rape are likely to stand trial in the New Year.
Norman Coulson, 37, and Joanne Evans, 36, denied the allegation when they made their first appearance at Teesside Crown Court today.
The couple, of Dodsworth Walk, Hartlepool, were granted bail by Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, until their trial - most likely to be in February.
Defence barrister, Stephen Constantine, told the judge that two experts - an analyst and a toxicologist - will be called to give evidence on behalf of the pair.
The indictment alleges that they raped a woman in January last year - with Mr Coulson having sex with her while Ms Evans "acting as an accessory".
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article