A man accused of sexually and physically assaulting a girl in the Penrith area will stand trial next year,
Jacek Kuliga, 39, faces two charges.
One alleges that Kuliga sexually assaulted the girl — she not consenting to alleged illegal touching and he not reasonably believing that she consented.
A second charge alleges that Kuliga physically assaulted the girl, causing actual bodily harm.
Both allegations arise out of incidents that are said to have occurred on January 25, 2021.
When he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today, Kuliga pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to him.
He will now stand trial in front of a jury. This hearing is due to start on May 2 next year and, it is estimated, will last three to four days.
In the meantime Kuliga, of Broadoaks Grange, Carlisle, must co-operate with the preparation by his legal team of a statement which sets out his defence to the allegations. He was also granted bail, one condition stipulating that he must not enter Penrith.