Accused rapist out of hospital

An Ashburton man has been released from hospital and remanded in custody on burglary and rape charges.

Patrick Albert appeared in Christchurch District Court this afternoon.

He was remanded to next Monday for defence counsel to be assigned and a bail application to be made, the Christchurch Court News website reported.

The 48-year-old is charged with breaking into an Ashburton house last Tuesday while armed with a knife and his face disguised, and raping a woman.

Soon after the alleged offences he was admitted to Christchurch Hospital but has since been discharged to police custody.

He has not entered pleas to the charges.

- NZPA