A 23-YEAR-OLD man charged with raping another man in Newport appeared in court yesterday.

Altaf Ali Raza, 23, of Harrow Road, Newport, appeared at Cardiff Crown court yesterday morning, and spoke only to confirm his name.

Raza is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and assault by beating.

The alleged attack took place in a lane running between Maindee School and Rodney Parade on Sunday August 18.

Gwent Police cordoned off part of Corporation Road after they received a call by a member of the public at around 6.30am.

The alleged 18-year-old victim was initially taken to hospital, but has since returned home.

Raza appeared in Caerphilly Magistrates on Tuesday August 20, where he was remanded into custody.

The next hearing will be on October 10 at Cardiff Crown Court. Raza remains in custody.