A Bristol man faces trial in August charged with carrying out multiple sexual assaults on a woman using objects.
The case of Mario James Sebastiano Dimaggio, 46, of Jacob Wells Road, was mentioned at Bristol Crown Court today. (December 11, 2020).
Dimaggio faces 24 sexual abuse charges.
It is alleged that Dimaggio carried out sexual assaults using a variety of household objects and food items.
The charges are indictable only, meaning they are so serious that they can only be tried by a judge and jury at the crown court.
When Dimaggio attended the crown court today he notified staff he had coronavirus symptoms and was advised go home, self-isolate and arrange a coronavirus test.
In a 24-minute hearing conducted in the accused's absence the Recorder of Bristol His Honour Judge Peter Blair QC pencilled in a week-long trial due to start on August 23.
Michael Smith, defending via video link, said his client denied the charges.
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The judge adjourned the case for a pre-trial review in June.
He said: "Hopefully by then we will all have been vaccinated."
