A teenager is facing trial for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl who later died.
The 17-year-old, who appeared in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, is alleged to have raped the girl on various occasions between February 1, 2016 and September 10, 2017 at various addresses in Irvine, including Knadgerhill Graveyard.
It is claimed by prosecutors that he struck her on her head and body before raping her.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also alleged to have raped the 14-year-old at a wooded area in Irvine on January 16, 2017 after punching her on the head, seizing her by the hair, pulling her to the ground, restraining her, kneeling on her arms and removing her lower clothing.
A third charge of sexually abusing the girl at a wooded area in Irvine on September 11, 2017 was withdrawn by prosecutor Bill McVicar.
Defence counsel Jennifer Bain told the court her client pled not guilty to the charges he faces.
Judge Lord Beckett set a trial for April next year.
