- Oliver Mears entered pleas of ‘not guilty’ to rape and sexual assault
- The chemistry student put his studies on hold to concentrate on the trial
- It is due to last between five and six days and will start on January 22nd next year
An Oxford University student appeared in court today charged with raping a woman at a party a year before picking up his successful A-level results.
Chemistry student Oliver Mears spoke to confirm his name and enter pleas of ‘not guilty’ to rape and sexual assault by penetration.
The court heard how the 19-year-old had put his studies on hold to concentrate on his upcoming trial that is due to go before a jury next year.
First year chemistry student Oliver Mears, pictured left at St. Hugh’s College last October and right in 2014, denies raping a woman at a party in 2015
The teenager started studying at St Hugh’s College in September last year, which counts among its former alumni Prime Minister Theresa May and former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan.
Defending him, Alphege Bell told Guildford Crown Court that a sexual encounter had taken place at a party between July 22 and 24, 2015.
The trial is due to last between five and six days and was set to start at the same court on January 22 next year.
The teenager started studying at St Hugh’s College, pictured, in September last year (stock photo)
Mears, of Horley, Surrey, is due to stand trial at Guildford Crown Court on January 22 and has been released on conditional bail.
Judge Fraser added: ‘I have set the date for your trial. We have brought it forward a month to January 22. You have to be back in court then.’
Oxford University has been contacted for comment.
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