A MAN faces trial next year after denying allegations that he groped two women within days of one another in Southend.

Darban Shahi, 24, of Satanita Road in Westcliff, appeared in the dock at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, November 1, to answer the charges.

With the help of a Nepali translator, he pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault.

It is alleged that on January 4, he sexually assaulted a woman in Southend.

Then, seven days later, on January 11, he is alleged to have sexually assaulted a different woman in Westcliff.

On each occasion, the charges allege that he touched the women in a sexual manner and they did not consent, nor did he reasonably believe they were consenting.

Mr Shahi’s trial was fixed for September 15, 2025, with an administrative pre-trial hearing to take place in August.

He was released on bail.