A PLEA hearing for a man accused of multiple rapes has been delayed after he lacked any legal representation at the hearing.
Ashley Withers, 30, appeared at Worcester Crown Court sitting in Redditch, on Monday (October 12), charged with three counts of rape and one count of coercive and controlling behaviour.
However, the court heard that Withers, of Chine Corner, Honeybourne, near Evesham, had an issue with securing legal representation and the case was adjourned until next month to allow him to secure representation.
Speaking directly to Withers, Judge Andrew Lockhart said: “You have not got representation, which is a big shame.
“You need to get on with it because you will need to be represented.”
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Withers’ plea hearing was moved to Monday, November 2, and, should Withers deny the offences, a provisional trial date was set for September 2028.
The 30-year-old remains on bail, with the condition that he must not contact the alleged victim.
