Kosovan soldier denies rape and sexual assault

Norfolk Police was called to the footpath next to the River Wensum on 17 September

A Kosovan soldier helping train personnel from the Ukranian army has denied three counts of sexual offences.

Bali Hoxha, 28, of West Tofts Camp in Thetford, Norfolk, is charged with rape and two charges of sexual assault against a woman.

The alleged attack happened along a footpath between Prince of Wales Road and the Riverside Retail Park at about 23:30 on 17 September.

Hoxha was remanded in custody at Norwich Crown Court until his trial on 7 April, which is expected to last five days.

Mr Hoxha is employed by the Kosovan army but contracted to train Ukranian soldiers based at the British Army training ground near Thetford, under a contract with the Ministry of Defence.

He spoke to confirm his name but defence barrister Jonathan Goodman told the court that while his English was sufficient for the plea hearing, an Albanian interpreter would be required for the trial and any intermediate hearings.

It was also heard that three witnesses would require interpreters.

The court were told those witnesses would likely be deployed in Kosovo at the time of the trial but that the Kosovan army would release them to attend court.