A MAN accused of raping a woman in Cowes appeared before Island magistrates this morning (Monday).

Neal Kilburne, of Northam Road, Southampton, faced a charge of raping a woman aged 16 or over, sometime between October 1, 2014, and October 31 this year.

The 48-year-old was bailed to reappear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on January 10 next year.