Man charged with rape in Blackpool makes first court appearance

A man has appeared in court charged with what police have described as a 'horrific rape attack' in Blackpool.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 27th Apr 2020, 12:28 BST
Updated 27th Apr 2020, 12:54 BST
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David Dara, 28, of Saxby Street, Leicester is alleged to have raped a 20-year-old woman in an alleyway off Hopton Road, Blackpool at around 10.30pm on Thursday night (April 23).

Dara was brought before Blackpool Magistrates' this morning, where he has been remanded in custody.

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He has been sent for trial at Preston Crown Court, where he will appear on May 27.

David Dara, 28, of Saxby Street, Leicester, is alleged to have raped a 20-year-old woman in an alleyway off Hopton Road, Blackpool, on Thursday night (April 23)David Dara, 28, of Saxby Street, Leicester, is alleged to have raped a 20-year-old woman in an alleyway off Hopton Road, Blackpool, on Thursday night (April 23)
David Dara, 28, of Saxby Street, Leicester, is alleged to have raped a 20-year-old woman in an alleyway off Hopton Road, Blackpool, on Thursday night (April 23)

Dara, unemployed, appeared in the dock dressed in a police issue grey track suit.

Steven Townley, defending, said he was not applying for bail today, but said he would make an application before a Crown Court judge later this week.

A 19-year-old local man, who had been arrested in connection with the investigation, has been released without charge.