A professional footballer has appeared in court charged with sexual offences including rape ahead of a trial next year.
Sunderland winger Jack Diamond, 23, was charged with sexual assault, which he has denied.
He was also charged with rape but was not asked to enter a plea to that offence when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.
Diamond is alleged to have raped a woman in Wearside in 2022.
Prosecutors also claim Diamond, sexually assaulted the same woman.
Sunderland winger Jack Diamond (pictured outside Newcastle Crown Court), 23, has appeared in court charged with sexual offences including rape ahead of a trial next year
Diamond was on loan with Lincoln City last season but the deal was terminated after he was charged, and Sunderland suspended him
Diamond (pictured in the white shirt blue tie) at Newcastle Crown Court today
When the charge was put to the footballer by the clerk, he replied 'Not guilty' in a clear voice.