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".