A MAN has appeared in court charged with raping a woman who was found dead at Forth and Clyde Canal in March.

Lars Pederson allegedly carried out the sex attack on 56-year-old Alison McAllister.

The 33-year-old from Hampshire appeared in private today at Glasgow Sheriff Court charged with rape, and a second charge of sexual assault.

He made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Pederson will appear for a full committal hearing next week.

Carer Alison’s body was discovered at the Forth and Clyde Canal near Maryhill, Glasgow, in March — 19 hours after her last sighting.

She was spotted at 5.20pm on March 19 near Asda in the city’s Summerston, where she lived.