Aunt rape accused in Grafton Court

A 45-YEAR-OLD man charged with raping and stabbing his aunt in South Grafton last week has told a court he will plead not guilty when his case is next heard on January 4.

The South Grafton man fronted Grafton Local Court yesterday on four charges relating to Wednesday's sexual assault of a 74-year-old woman.

His solicitor, Greg Coombes, appealed for bail for his client, telling the court the accused would be entering a plea of not guilty.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, sat staring ahead throughout the hearing.

Mr Coombes said his client had complied with a request for a swab for DNA analysis and his record showed no cases of a similar nature.

Magistrate Kim Pogson denied the application for bail.

He said the charges were extremely serious with the prospect of custodial sentences.

The court also heard an application to have forensic evidence collected from the accused admitted as evidence.

Mr Pogson upheld the application.

He adjourned the case until January 4.