MP's aide in court on rape charges after alleged Palace of Westminster incident

A Conservative MP's aide has appeared in court charged with two counts of rape following an alleged incident at the Palace of Westminster.

Samuel Armstrong, 23, from Danbury in Essex, is also charged with sexual assault in relation to the alleged attack in October last year.

Armstrong, who has been suspended as chief of staff to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, wore a suit and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

It is alleged that Armstrong intentionally penetrated a woman when she did not consent last October at the Palace of Westminster.

He was bailed to appear at Southwark Crown Court on April 28.

Armstrong was ordered not to enter the Palace of Westminster and not to contact the alleged victim.