A MAN accused of raping a woman on the Isle of Wight has appeared in court today.

Neal Kilburne, of Northam Road, Southampton, faced a charge of raping a woman aged 16 or over, sometime between October 1, 2014, and October 31 this year.

The incident happened in Cowes, it was heard by Island magistrates.

The 48-year-old was bailed to reappear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on January 10 next year.