A MAN is due to appear in the crown court charged with three counts of rape.

Sean Copley, 23, of Viola Close, South Ockendon, appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court charged with three counts of raping a woman over the age of 16 between November 22, 2008, and November 22, 2009.

He was granted bail on condition he does not contact the alleged victim and was ordered to appear before Basildon Crown Court in the week starting August 11 for a plea and case management hearing.