Arjun Kandel accused of raping person in his care to face trial in April

A “number of witnesses” will give evidence at trial about a disability worker who allegedly sexually assaulted two women in his care.

Kandel leaves the District Court of South Australia on Friday morning: Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

A disability worker who pleaded not guilty to allegations he sexually assaulted two women with mental disabilities on the same day will face trial in April.

Arjun Kandel, 43, pleaded not guilty in the District Court of South Australia on Friday morning to aggravated indecent assault of a person in a position of “particular vulnerability” on August 7 last year in Salisbury Downs.

It is alleged the victim was vulnerable because of her mental impairment.

He also pleaded not guilty to rape, unlawful sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault of another victim – by touching the victim’s breasts – on August 7 at Salisbury Downs.

The court heard the victim suffered from a “cognitive impairment” and was “unable to understand the nature of the consequences of sexual intercourse”.

The alleged victim was also in a position of “particular vulnerability”.

Kandel has pleaded not guilty to four separate charges including rape. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

For the alleged victims, Vanessa Burrows said they will both receive psychological assessment towards the end of August and will provide evidence in November.

“There is then a number of witnesses relevant to the residence where they were staying,” Ms Burrows said.

Judge Liesl Chapman said “each of the witnesses will give evidence by closed circuit television”.

“Each of the witnesses, if they so choose, will be accompanied by a court companion,” she said.

Kandel will face trial in April which is expected to take at least six to seven days.