The 33-year old is man - who cannot be named for legal reasons was also charged with seven counts of falsely imprisoning the woman, two counts of sexually assaulting her, and four counts of assault causing her harm.

The attacks are alleged to have occurred at a house in Limerick over a sustained seven-day period last May.

Limerick District Court heard the woman wished to withdraw her allegations, however the court said the DPP was entitled to proceed with a book of evidence in the case.

Gardai told the court, that in reply to the charges, the accused said: "That's all lies. I'm not guilty to all of those charges."

The accused was remanded in custody to appear before Limerick District Court on September 10th when a bail application will be heard.