A MAN who says he was raped by another man during a sexual encounter in an Edinburgh graveyard is to give evidence at his alleged attacker’s trial today.

The 25-year-old witness, who cannot be identified, is expected to testify from behind a screen at the trial of the accused, Rachid Lamrabet, 42.

Mr Lamrabet is charged with carrying out the serious sexual assault in historic Greyfriars Kirk in the centre of the capital on August 26, 2015.

Judge Lord Woolman told jurors at the High Court in Livingston of the plans for the trial.

Because English is not Mr Lamrabet’s native language, a Spanish interpreter has been brought in to sit with him in the dock so he can understand the proceedings.

Agreed evidence includes a compilation video of CCTV footage taken from seven camera systems at clubs, pubs and the city’s public camera network.

The film records activity in Niddry Street, Cowgate, George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row between 4am and 7am on the day of the alleged rape.

The jury was also informed a recording and transcript of a 999 call made to the emergency services at 6.20am on August 26, 2015, will be led as agreed evidence.

A detailed map of the area and photographs of the scene and its surroundings have been prepared to assist them.

Mr Lamrabet, of Abbey Road, London, denies committing the offence, brought under Section One of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.

The trial is expected to last for around five days.