Accused denies raping pensioner

The defendant appeared at Omagh Court

A man has appeared in court in County Tyrone charged with the rape of a pensioner.

Robert John Clyde, from Johnston Terrace in Dromore, appeared at Omagh Magistrates Court.

The accused denies a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse against a 72-year-old woman in the bedroom of Dromore home on 8 January.

The 27-year-old was remanded in custody for four weeks by the magistrate during the hearing on Tuesday.

A detective constable told the court that when she charged the accused at Omagh police station on Monday, he replied: "Not guilty."

The officer said she believed she could connect the defendant with the charge.

Mr Clyde spoke only to confirm he understood the charge. He is expected to appear in court via video link on 7 February.