Rico Palmer in court over rape allegations of girls aged 13 and 14

A MAN has denied raping a 14-year-old girl and a young woman after two separate attacks in Gloucester.

Rico Palmer, of Charles Street, Gloucester, pleaded not guilty at Gloucester Crown Court to raping the Cheltenham girl on October 25, 2012.

The 21-year-old also denied raping a young woman on July 21, 2012 as well as stealing her mobile phone.

Mr Palmer spoke only to confirm his name and enter the not guilty pleas on Friday.

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A trial, expected to last four days, will begin on March 25.

The first allegation is that Palmer raped a 14-year old girl whom he met after she had travelled to Gloucester by bus. The offence is said to have occurred in a school playground near the city centre.

The second charge relates to a young woman whom he allegedly met outside the Fever bar in the city.

The prosecution is calling for the charges to be tried together as both attacks were said to be on vulnerable women outdoors.

Defending, Charles Conway, said he would be applying to sever the charges so they could be tried separately.

Judge William Hart told Mr Palmer: "It is important from the complaints' point of view and yours that we get this heard quickly.

"There will be another hearing in March here, but your trial will take place on March 25 and in the meantime you will be remanded in custody."