LATEST: Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) star STEVEN BERKOFF could face a civil trial for rape after a court ruling yesterday (15AUG01).

The Hollywood hardman, known for his roles in OCTOPUSSY (1983) and BEVERLY HILLS COP (1984) denies the allegations of rape and assault.

London judge CHRISTOPHER WIGFIELD ruled that Berkoff, 64, should face trial, despite the actor's claim that the case should be dismissed due to the prosecution's legal case not being served in time.

Civil claims in personal injury cases should be made within six years of an alleged incident, however an Asian actress claims Berkoff raped her back in September 1994.

Judge Wigfield told the court, "It would in my view be wrong and contrary to the interests of justice to deny the defendant the opportunity to defend the claim and the allegations made against him. " (ES/WNWCCB)

Source: WENN