JUSTIN Price has made his first appearance at Swindon Crown Court accused of raping a 15-year-old girl in the Savernake Street area of town.
Price, 18, of Hythe Road, Old Town, spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing.
He was arrested on Boxing Day and at a previous appearance on December 29 magistrates had refused to grant bail and Price had spent seven nights in custody, but yesterday Judge Charles Wade granted conditional bail.
As a result he has to reside at his brother's house in Mill Lane, Wroughton, honour a curfew between 8pm and 7am and is banned from entering on or off-licensed premises.
He is also barred from entering Swindon except for pre-arranged appoint-ments with his solicitor and must avoid contact with prosecution wit-nesses.
Prosecution counsel Colin Meeke warned the court it would be a "long grind" before the case was resolved. Mr Price is next due in court on Monday, March 15 for a plea and directions hearing.
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