Oxford University student accused of raping woman at party

An Oxford University student has appeared in court charged with raping a woman at a party.

Oliver Mears began studying chemistry at St Hugh's College in September last year. He appeared at court on Monday and spoke only to confirm his name and enter pleas of "not guilty" to rape and sexual assault.

The court heard how the 19-year-old scientist has put his studies on hold for an academic year to concentrate on his upcoming trial, which is due to start next year.

Defending him, Alphege Bell told Guildford Crown Court that a sexual encounter had taken place at a party in Horley, Surrey, between July 22 and July 24, 2015.

The trial was due to last between five and six days and was set to start at the same court on January 22 next year.

Recorder of Guildford Judge Robert Fraser was told that "a large number" of people who were at the party when the offence allegedly took place were set to be called at witnesses.

Mears, of Horley, Surrey, is due to stand trial at Guildford Crown Court on January 22 and has been released on conditional bail.

Judge Fraser added: "I have set the date for your trial. We have brought it forward a month to January 22. You have to be back in court then."

Oxford University has been contacted for a comment.