Plea hearing delayed for man accused of multiple rapes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

Ashley Withers, 30, saw his plea hearing postponed after failing to secure legal representation.

Ashley Withers, 30, of Chine Corner, Honeybourne, near Evesham, appeared at Worcester Crown Court in Redditch on Monday, October 12, charged with three counts of rape and one count of coercive and controlling behaviour. His plea hearing was postponed after he arrived without legal representation.

Judge Andrew Lockhart addressed Withers directly, saying: 'You have not got representation, which is a big shame. You need to get on with it because you will need to be represented.' The case was adjourned to allow Withers time to secure a solicitor.

Withers' plea hearing has been rescheduled for Monday, November 2. Should he deny the offences, a provisional trial date was set for September 2028. He remains on bail with the condition that he must not contact the alleged victim.

How it is being reported

• Plea hearing for man accused of multiple rapes and coercive behaviour delayedA man accused of multiple rapes saw his plea hearing delayed after he failed to secure legal representation for the hearingWorcester News · 13 Oct, 17:54
• Plea hearing for man accused of multiple rapes and coercive behaviour delayedA man accused of multiple rapes saw his plea hearing delayed after he failed to secure legal representation for the hearingMalvern Gazette · 13 Oct, 17:54

In this story: Ashley Withers · Judge Andrew Lockhart · Worcester Crown Court · Redditch · Honeybourne · Evesham

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