A MAN has appeared in court accused of raping and threatening to kill a woman.

Gary Cowlard, aged 49, faced Plymouth magistrates charged with raping a woman on Thursday.

Cowlard, of Evelyn Place, Mutley, is further accused of threatening to kill the same person on February 9.

He is finally charged with assaulting her by beating the day before.

Cowlard was told the case was so serious it would have to be sent straight to Plymouth Crown Court.

Wearing a black short-sleeved shirt, he spoke only to confirm his personal details during a five-minute hearing.

He did not indicate a plea, but his solicitor Adrian Hill told the court: "Very clearly, these matters are denied."

No bail application was made and he was remanded in custody. Cowlard will appear before a judge at the senior court on February 27.

A second hearing has been fixed for the Crown Court on May 21.