A MAN appeared in court accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman.

Angelo Giovino, 48, faces claims from the woman over incidents in Hove.

The alleged offences took place in October 2018.

At Lewes Crown Court Giovino appeared via video link from his home.

He denied all three charges.

During the hearing before His Honour Judge Stephen Mooney the bearded defendant wore a black blazer and black shirt.

He appeared in front of a bookshelf and stacks of children’s board games, and was represented by barrister Sarah Lindop.

Giovino spoke to confirm his name, and pleaded “not guilty” as the court clerk read the charges.

It was claimed that two of the offences related to “sexual touching”.

The third charge was rape.

The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said she was not consenting to the acts, and said Giovino would not reasonably have believed she was consenting to them.

Giovino denies the claims.

Jennifer Gray, prosecuting, agreed a provisional trial date to be set for November 22 this year.

The judge said he believes the trial for Giovino, of Palmeira Avenue, Hove, could take one week.