FOUR men have appeared in court charged with raping a 33-year-old woman in a Clitheroe pub.

The four include the former landlord of the Swan and Royal, where the offence is alleged to have taken place, Steven Latus, 59, currently landlord of the Black Bull in, Caton, Lancaster. He is also charged with another sexual offence allegedly committed at the same time. The other three are John Czyzewski, 34, of Norris Street, Preston, Sean Hodgson, 38, of Abingdon Drive, Preston, and Ian James Holt, 42, of Sheffield Drive, Preston.

Blackburn magistrates sent all four to Preston Crown Court for trial and they will appear there for a preliminary hearing on September 6.

They were all remanded on bail with a condition that they do not enter Clitheroe, except Latus who can go there to see his solicitor by prior appointment.