A SUSSEX University student accused of rape has been banished from campus.

Liam Allen, 21, of Grand Parade, Brighton, is alleged to have raped another student last year.

Since the allegations have been made the computer science student has been banned from campus, which was affecting his studies, Brighton Magistrates was told on Thursday.

The computer science student, appearing for the first time, is alleged to have raped another University of Sussex student on October 12, 2016, in Brighton.

Since Allen, originally from Horsham, was charged on August 24 this year, the court has required as part of his bail conditions that he complies with restrictions on attendance prescribed by the university.

But his solicitor said the bail conditions on campus were having an effect on his studies.

Cathy Walker told the court: “This has taken a year to be in court and there have been no breaches.

“He finds himself facing a serious allegation.

“Allen, as a result of being under investigation, has been suspended from attending the campus through his whole second year.

“He couldn’t attend lectures, had to have Skype mentoring sessions and is now about to start third year to start his dissertation.

“This year is critical and he should be able to attend the campus.”

Other bail conditions stop Allen from contacting the complainant and two other witnesses.

The case has been committed to the crown court.

Chairman of the magistrates Gary Gates said: “This is an extremely serious charge we cannot deal with in this court.

“It is going to Lewes Crown Court for the plea and trial preparation hearing.”

The University of Sussex, based in Falmer, Brighton, has more than 15,000 students.

A University of Sussex spokesman said: “When we are made aware of any police investigation involving one of our students, we always co-operate fully with any bail conditions and consider whether we would need to take any precautionary action of our own.

“In some cases, the police may impose bail conditions which prohibit a student’s attendance at university or them entering the grounds of the university.

“In all such cases, the health, safety and wellbeing of our students remains our highest priority.”

Allen will appear at Lewes Crown Court on October 19.