The trial of a Chester man accused of imprisoning and raping a woman has begun.

Peter Watton, of Hemsley Road, Lache, pleaded not guilty to eight counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of false imprisonment before the start of his trial today.

The 37-year-old stands accused of raping a woman during an attack on June 14 last year in Dukes' Drive.

He also pleaded not guilty to possessing a kitchen knife in Duke's Drive, Chester on the day of the alleged offences.

A jury of nine woman and three men have been sworn in after being selected from around 48 potential jurors,