A St. John’s man with an extensive history of sexual violence against women in this province told reporters today he was innocent of his recent charges.

Dennis Peter Murphy made a brief appearance in provincial court, but not before having his say.

“Yeah, not guilty,” Murphy said while being escorted into the courtroom when a reporter asked if he had anything to say. “How do you like that one?

“It’s a setup.”

Murphy hasn’t formally entered a plea yet. His lawyers hope to do that when he returns to court later this month. The 63-year-old faces charges of sexual assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement and breaching court orders. 

It’s alleged Murphy sexually attacked a 31-year-old woman last week at a home in downtown St. John’s. The woman suffered several injuries. 

The RNC is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the RNC or Crimestoppers.