MP's aide Samuel Armstrong denies Parliament rape charges

Samuel Armstrong has been suspended from his post as chief of staff to Craig Mackinlay

An MP's aide has appeared in court to plead not guilty to rape and assault charges following an alleged attack at the Houses of Parliament in October.

Samuel Armstrong, 23, who appeared Southwark Crown Court, denies two counts of rape, one of sexual assault and one of assault by penetration.

He has been suspended from his position as chief of staff to South Thanet's Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay.

Mr Armstrong, of Copt Hill, Danbury, Essex, is go on trial on 11 December.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 29 September.

Judge Deborah Taylor bailed Mr Armstrong on the condition he does not enter the Palace of Westminster or contact the alleged victim.