Man in court charged with Christmas Day rape

A man appeared in court today charged with raping a woman on Christmas Day more than 20 years ago.

Antoni Imiela, 56, is charged with the rape, indecent assault and buggery of the 29-year-old woman, on December 25 1987.

The offences allegedly took place in Sydenham, south-east London.

Imiela appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court via video-link from Wakefield Prison in Yorkshire.

Wearing an open-neck blue shirt, he told the court he understood his case would be sent to Southwark Crown Court in the New Year.

Judge Michael Snow remanded Imiela in custody until January 7 2011.