A huntsman has appeared in court accused of raping a woman at a ball. John Norrish, 67, who is a member of the Tiverton Staghounds, did not offer a plea but Exeter Crown Court was told the charge is being contested. Norrish, of Mouseberry Farm, East Worlington, near Tiverton, is accused of raping a woman at the event, in the Crediton area, on July 2 this year. Judge Graham Cottle ordered a plea should be taken at a case management hearing on January 6. Norrish, wearing a tweed jacket and Staghounds tie, was bailed.