Accused faces new charges; New allegations from three women against 'osteopath'.

Byline: By GARRY WILLEY

MORE charges may be brought against a man accused of rape, a court was told.

Terence McBrien, described in court as an osteopath, is charged with five counts of raping a woman at his Northumberland practice between May and December 2003.

He made his first appearance before Newcastle Crown Court where a timetable for the progress of the case was set.

But no trial date was fixed after the court heard the 55-year-old from Scott Street, Alnwick, may face new allegations involving another three women.

"Mr McBrien is going to be interviewed by police," said Amanda Rippon, defending.

"He is aware there is at least one other complainant and there may be another two."

Judge Tony Lancaster adjourned for a plea and case management hearing to be held on May 6.

He gave prosecutors until April 21 to serve all of their papers.

"You will need to return to court on May 6 and indicate what your plea is going to be to the indictment,"

Judge Lancaster said.

"By then the Crown will have made further inquiries and it may be you will be facing other matters as well."

McBrien's bail was renewed with conditions he has no contact with any prosecution witness and stays away from a named address in Alnwick.

He is also forbidden from treating women clients without a chaperone being present.

McBrien, wearing a smart grey suit, blue shirt and dark tie, spoke only to answer his name during the brief preliminary hearing.

CAPTION(S):

CHARGED WITH RAPE: Terence McBrien