Man denies raping woman in Exeter city centre

A man has pleaded not guilty to raping a woman in Exeter city centre. Abdullah Saed, 23, appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday charged with committing the offence on September 15.

It is alleged he raped a woman in an area near South Street. Communicating with the aid of an Arabic interpreter he spoke only to confirm his details and enter a not guilty plea to the single charge.

A trial will take place next year. The defendant, who has previous addresses in Royston Road, London, and Rolle Street, Exmouth, was remanded in custody. Judge James Adkin presided over the short hearing. The prosecution was represented by Mary McCarthy and Saed by Kelly Scrivener.

Devon and Cornwall Police previously released a statement confirming officers were called to Fore Street in the early hours of September 15. A police cordon was put in place behind the Wetherspoon Chevalier pub.

Judge Adkin said a trial would take place in July of next year.

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