A SOUTHEND man has denied multiple counts of raping and assaulting a woman.

Heine Esterhuizen of Royal Mews, Southend, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday to answer charges of rape and actual bodily harm and breaching a non-molestation order.

Wearing a black suit with white shirt and an earring in his right ear, he stayed impassive as he stood before Judge Samantha Leigh.

He has been charged with three counts of rape in relation to three incidents in Essex involving a female victim each time.

The rapes are alleged to have taken place on October 28, 2017.

The 25-year-old denied all charges.

His trial date has been set for July 13 next year at the same court, due to no other sooner times being available, and is expected to last between five and seven days.