AN award-winning scientist has been accused of raping a woman in St Andrews and sexually assaulting another in the grounds of the town's historic university the following day.

Pasquale Galianni, 30, a research student in astronomy who last year won the Royal Society of Edinburgh's Cormack Prize for his work on dark matter and modified gravity, is alleged to have raped a 27-year-old woman in Doubledykes Road on April 9.

He is further accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman in a lane between the university's sports hall and David Russell Apartments the next day.

Galianni, of St Andrews, made no plea or declaration when he appeared at Cupar Sheriff Court.

He was remanded in custody ahead of a further appearance in court next week.