- The alleged crime took place on March 24 this year
- The Star-front court pleaded not guilty on Thursday
Star A-League striker Angel Torres has formally denied allegations that he raped, assaulted and intimidated a woman.
The Colombian-born footballer, who played for the Central Coast Mariners before being stood down, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him at Gosford District Court on Thursday.
Prosecutors will allege at trial that Torres raped the woman on March 24, 2024, in Terrigal, on the NSW central coast.
He faces one charge of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent, including an allegation that he deprived the woman of her liberty for a period of time after the crime.
He also faces two charges of assault and a further charge of intimidation of the woman, causing her to fear for her safety.
Prosecutors also filed an alternative charge alleging sexual intercourse without consent, which removes the aggravating factor.
Torres, who was assisted in court by a Spanish-language interpreter, remains out on bail as he awaits a trial scheduled for March 24, 2025.
The date will mark exactly one year since the alleged rape took place.
Angel Torres was playing for A-League club Central Coast Mariners at the time of the alleged assault
The Colombian-born footballer required assistance from a Spanish interpreter as he stood in court in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast on Thursday
The most serious charge against Torres carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
The forward was sacked from his role with the Mariners following his arrest at Sydney Airport in May after joining the side at the start of the last A-League Men season and scoring 13 goals in 23 games.
“Given the alleged serious criminal offenses with which Torres has been charged, Football Australia has immediately imposed a ban,” the club said in a statement at the time.
“It is important to note that in imposing this interim suspension, Football Australia does not reveal any culpability or culpability in relation to the offenses with which Torres has been charged.”
The case will return to court on February 6 for a hearing.