A 56-year-old man accused of raping two women more than 20 years ago is to face trial.

Orville Vaughan is facing charges of raping one woman between 1986 and 1988, as well as raping another under the age of 16 between 1992 and 1994.

Vaughan, who appeared via video link from HMP Parkhurst, in the Isle of Wight, yesterday, did not enter a plea.

Deborah Slater, chairman of the bench at Swindon Magistrates' Court, adjourned the case for a pre-trial hearing on May 6 at Swindon Crown Court and Vaughan was remanded in custody.

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Michael Brown, 27, of Oaksey Road, Penhill, has denied assaulting his girlfriend and will face trial next month.

He is said to have head-butted and kicked Lucy Wells in the street on Wednesday, March 16.

When he appeared before Swindon magistrates yesterday they adjourned the case and released him on unconditional bail until Wednesday, May 25, when he will appear before magistrates in Chippenham.

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A woman has been ordered to pay compensation after jointly carrying out three separate thefts in Swindon.

Kirsty Hawkins, 26, admitted jointly stealing £280 of clothing from Ted Baker, £74.96 worth of candles from Yankee Candle and perfume worth £190.60 from Estee Lauder on February 21, with another person.

Hawkins, of Archer Walk, Bristol, was given community order and told to pay £140 compensation.

She must also pay £85 costs, which will be deducted from her benefits.