Man, 27, in court over pensioner rape

A 27-year-old man appeared in court today charged with raping a pensioner in her home.

Robert John Clyde, of Johnston Terrace, Dromore, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, was remanded in custody when he appeared at Omagh Magistrates’ Court.

He was charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with the 72-year-old widow at her home in Dromore, County Tyrone.

The elderly woman was targeted in the bedroom of her village centre home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A detective constable told the court that when she charged Clyde, he replied “not guilty”. She told the court she believed she could connect the accused to the charge.

The accused remained silent during the brief hearing except to confirm his name and that he understood the charge.

He was remanded in custody until February 7 to appear at the same court via a video link.

The rape shocked the village and the traumatised victim has moved out of her home to stay with relatives as she recovers from her ordeal.