A MAN will stand trial later this year accused of three rapes.

Dana Ali will first face a separate trial on charges of robbery and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.

The 31-year-old denied all the allegations when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday via a live video-link from Durham Prison.

One of the rapes is said to have happened between the end of July and the beginning of September last year.

The other two rapes are alleged to have been committed against another woman on December 1.

The cash robbery is said to have happened in Yarm Lane, Stockton, on November 7, when Mr Ali is alleged to have been armed with a multi-tool.

Judge Stephen Ashurst remanded Mr Ali in custody until his first trial – expected to last two days – on May 1.

The rape allegations will be heard by a jury on May 28, in a case which is expected to last three to four days.

Richard Bennett, defending, did not make a bail application on behalf of Mr Ali, whose address was given as HMP Durham.