Two men from Basildon and London will go on trial next year accused of trespassing on private property with the shared intent of carrying out a sexual assault.

Christopher Stannard and Edward McGarth appeared in the dock together at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, November 1.

Mr McGarth, 34, of Ross Road in Croydon, pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, each representing a separate sex act allegedly forced upon an 18-year-old woman.

He also denied a sexual assault charge alleging he sexually touched the complainant.

The alleged offences all occurred at an address in Southend on Sea on September 18.

Mr Stannard, 36, of Town Square in Basildon, is not charged with any rape or sexual assault offences.

However, he and Mr McGarth both pleaded not guilty to charges of “trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence” on September 18.

Mr McGarth was already free on bail but Mr Stannard was produced from custody for the short hearing.

Following an application by his barrister, Judge Samantha Leigh said she would grant Mr Stannard bail as well.

However, he will be subject to an electronically monitored curfew and will be banned from entering the borough of Southend.

The pair’s trial date was fixed for June 16, with an estimated duration of seven working days.