A Cumbrian pensioner has appeared before a court accused of rape.

Peter Leo Craven, 66, of Front Street, Brampton, is charged with raping a woman on Sunday, March 27 last year.

The defendant, represented in court by barrister Keith Thomas, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

District Judge Gerald Chalk, sitting at Rickergate magistrates' court in Carlisle, sent the case to the crown court for a hearing on February 6.

The defendant was granted conditional bail until the date of that hearing.