Two Afghan nationals, Baryalai Rahimi, 25, and Mirebadurahman Sadat, 29, have denied multiple charges including rape and sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident on a train in February. The alleged attack occurred on a South Western Railway service traveling from Sturry to London Bridge on February 5.
Rahimi, who resides in Southall, west London, faces ten charges: three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and assault by penetration. Sadat, of Cricklewood, north-west London, is charged with two counts of assault by penetration and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
The two men appeared at Inner London Crown Court on August 20. Both men required Dari and Farsi interpreters and spoke only to confirm their names. Rahimi wore a green shirt, and Sadat wore a grey jumper.
Judge Michael Evans KC remanded both defendants into custody until November 4. A further case management hearing is scheduled for August 27. The judge noted that "a number of issues that have arisen" might affect the court's timetable.