A 29-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before York magistrates accused of raping and robbing a woman in the early evening of January 2.

Abrar Khan, who had been living at a temporary address in Boroughbridge Road, York, was remanded in custody.

He is alleged to have raped the woman and to have robbed her of £2.60 in cash on a path along the riverbank between Scarborough Bridge and Clifton Bridge.

Magistrates sent his case to York Crown Court as it was too serious for them.

Khan will appear before the higher court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on February 5.