A CARLISLE man has been remanded in custody after he was formally accused of sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a woman.

Michael Smith, 27, has also been charged with falsely imprisoning the same woman and assaulting her in a way that caused actual bodily harm.

At the city’s Rickergate court, the defendant, of Newtown Road, Carlisle, confirmed that he was not currently ready to enter pleas to the allegations he faces.

Prosecutors allege that Smith committed the four offences on New Year’s Day during a single incident in Carlisle.

After hearing a detailed outline of the allegations, magistrates ruled that Smith should be remanded in custody until he appears before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court on February 2.

On that occasion, the court heard, the defendant is likely to be asked to enter his pleas.

Smith, who spoke only to confirm his personal details and to say that he would not be entering any pleas, was represented by defence lawyer Tariq Khawam. 

The identity of the alleged victim is protected by law.