Paul Hunter was not required to attend for his first crown court hearing today due to the current coronavirus restrictions on the justice system.
The 30-year-old, of Marshall Wallis Road, South Shields, faces three charges of rape, one of sexual assault and three of sexual assault.
During a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court a trial has been listed on May 4 next year.
Judge Paul Sloan QC said a pre-trial hearing will take place on September 14, which Hunter, who was granted conditional bail at a previous magistrates' court hearing, is expected to attend.
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