A YOUNG man accused of raping a 14-year-old in a wooded area in Irvine before she later died will face trial later this year.

Fraser Robertson, 19, appeared again at the High Court in Glasgow last week [September 10] accused of attacking and then raping a 14-year-old in a secluded wooded area.

Robertson, whose address is listed as Irvine, denies raping the schoolgirl, who has since died, on January 16, 2017.

It is alleged he struck her on the head, seized her by the hair, restrained her, removed her lower clothing and raped her.

Robertson is also accused of raping the girl on various occasions between February, 2016 and September 2017 and allegedly committing a further sex offence at another wooded area in Irvine on September 11, 2017.

The High Court heard last week that no trial could yet be set because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The case was continued until October by judge Lady Stacey.

It is hoped that a trial diet can be fixed then.

Robertson will return to court at a later date.

All accused people named in the Irvine Times during active court proceedings are considered innocent unless later proven or admit to being guilty.

Any information on alleged criminality in the area can be reported to Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency always dial 999.