A MAN will stand trial in the Spring on a series of serious charges – including three rapes.

Andrew Vicente denied all the allegations when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court on a live video-link from Durham Prison.

The 47-year-old is charged with sexual assault and making a threat to kill as well as the rapes.

Following his brief appearance before Judge Deborah Sherwin, he was remanded back into custody. There was no application for bail by his barrister, Christine Egerton.

The trial is expected to start on May 21.

Mr Vicente, of Colenso Street, Hartlepool, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality, and to enter his pleas to the six charges he is facing.

  • Charges have been dropped against a man accused of rape and other serious offences. The Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence against Andrew Vicente, 47, of Colenso Street, Hartlepool. Mr Vicente was accused of three rapes, sexual assault and making threats to kill. Not guilty verdicts were recorded on all the charges at a hearing at Teesside Crown Court.