A WEYMOUTH man has appeared in court charged with attempting to rape a woman.

Matthew Stephen Farwell, of Newstead Road, faced magistrates in Yeovil over allegations he tried to rape a 25-year-old woman.

The alleged offence was said to have happened in an underpass in the early hours of Sunday, January 26.

Farwell, 31, is a Navy serviceman based at RNAS Yeovilton. The court heard he has been in the Royal Navy for the last four years.

Magistrates decided the case was so serious that they refused jurisdiction and ordered Farwell to attend the crown court.

Farwell was remanded in custody until his next appearance.

A preliminary hearing will take place at Taunton Crown Court on Monday, February 24.