Unemployed Ian Haywood pleaded not guilty to five charges including attempted rape and attempted murder when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court yesterday.

Haywood, 36, of Willow Way, Hurstpierpoint, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder, attempted rape and attempted robbery of a 17-year-old girl on Ditchling Common on January 18.

He also pleaded not guilty to the false imprisonment of a 19-year-old man and attempting to rob him.

The case was adjourned to a date to be set.