A man charged with the alleged rape of a young mother five years ago has appeared in court for the first time. Credit:Louie Douvis

A man accused of a brutally bashing and raping a young mother in North Melbourne more than five years ago has fronted court for the first time.

Zynal Javid Khan appeared at an-out-of sessions hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday night.

He has been charged with one count of rape, multiple counts of causing serious injury and assault and another charge of stealing the victim's handbag.

The 34-year-old man was arrested in Reservoir just after 1pm on Wednesday.