Overview
- The 22-year-old appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody after police opposed bail.
- Prosecutors charged him with rape, sexual assault by penetration, non-fatal strangulation, and threats to kill, with the case described as aggravated by domestic abuse.
- The court heard the woman was dragged into a wooded area beside the Westlink, kicked in the head, and raped, with CCTV showing her fleeing in distress as the man followed.
- Investigators said the victim underwent an eight-hour medical examination and officers recorded 41 images of her injuries.
- The defendant denies the allegations, and the case is listed to return on June 17 as the Public Prosecution Service conducts its standard review of the charges.