Newbury man Lee Abery charged with rape

A man has been sent to the crown court charged with raping a woman.

Lee Abery appeared in the dock at Reading magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 16.

The 38-year-old, of Skyllings, Newbury, is accused of committing the offence in Newbury between specific dates last year.

Mr Abery, who was legally represented by Paul Gilmartin, spoke only to confirm his details.

He was told the charge was indictable only – meaning it can only be heard by a higher court.

Magistrates therefore sent the case to be dealt with by a judge and, in the case of a trial, by a jury sitting at Reading Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Mr Abery was meanwhile released on conditional bail.