Mt Evelyn man Jeremy Hampton pleads not guilty to rape and making threat to kill

A popular eastern suburbs footballer remains behind bars after he was charged with serious sexual offences including rape.

Jeremy Hampton fronted Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with rape. Facebook.

A popular eastern suburbs footballer has faced court after he charged with multiple sexual offences including rape.

Jeremy Hampton, 23, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he pleaded not guilty to 19 charges including rape, making a threat to kill and assault.

Hampton’s alleged offending was said to have occurred in Melbourne earlier this year.

Hampton is also accused of intentionally causing the complainant to sexually penetrate him.

Hampton, who was charged in April this year, also allegedly assaulted and threatened to kill a complainant.

Knox Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation detectives spearheaded the investigation into Hampton’s alleged offending.

Magistrate Susan Wakeling directed Hampton, of Mt Evelyn, stand trial at the County Court.

“I’ve read a brief of evidence and I’m satisfied on the material contained on that brief of evidence that the evidence is of sufficient weight to support a conviction,” Magistrate Wakeling said.

Hampton, who fronted the brief hearing via video link from Ravenhall Correctional, will face a County Court directions hearing next month.

The trial date is yet to be determined but would unlikely be heard until late next year or even 2023.

Hampton made no application for bail.

Hampton played football for an outer eastern suburbs football team according to his Facebook page which boasts more than 2700 friends.

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