A MAN allegedly posed as a female before raping two women, it is claimed.

James Donoghue is said to have pretended to be someone called “Debbie Fox” or “Debzie”.

The 34 year-old is accused of contacting the women via text messages and online.

Prosecutors allege “Debbie” or “Debzie” told them there was footage of each “engaging in sexual activity” and that it would be distributed to others if they did not meet with Donoghue.

The women are said to have been “directed” on what to wear and how to “behave” with Donoghue.

It is claimed they were then recorded - without their knowledge - by the use of concealed cameras and microphones after they were “compelled” to meet him.

The indictment states Donoghue went on to have sex with the women without their “free agreement” and did rape them.

The charge against the first woman spans between December 2010 and August 2014.

It lists a number of locations in Renfrewshire including the Holiday Inn and Ramada hotels in Paisley.

The allegation against the second woman is from January 2011 and April 2014.

A number of places in Glasgow are listed including the Grand Central Hotel and a flat in the city’s Merchant City.

Donoghue faces an alternative to each rape charge in that he did “extort sexual intercourse” from both women.

His attendance was excused during a short hearing on Thursday at the High Court in Glasgow.

Donoghue, of the city’s Royston, denies the charges.

Both prosecutor Angela Gray and Donoghue’s lawyer Stephen Hughes said the case was ready for trial.

But, due to the pandemic, judge Lady Stacey instead fixed another hearing for May next year.