Jack Cowton, of Wendouree, and Nicholas Morse, of Redan, appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court dock on Friday for a filing hearing.

Cowton was released on bail after his family provided a $5000 surety.

Morse did not apply for bail. His lawyer told the court it was his first time in custody.

The pair were charged on Thursday with 21 offences between them.

Morse faces 15 charges, including rape, armed with a firearm with intent to commit rape, intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, making a threat to kill and being a non-prohibited person possessing an unregistered longarm.

Cowton is charged with six offences, including rape, making a threat to kill and property damage.

The pair’s family were supporting them in court for their hearings. After Cowton was released on bail, he gave the thumbs up to his family.

Magistrate Franz Holzer ordered Cowton to follow strict bail conditions including, reporting to the Ballarat Police Station once a week, live at a fixed address, not leave Australia, not contact witnesses, not associate with Morse and provide a $5000 surety.

Cowton and Morse will return to court on October 12 for a committal mention hearing.