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Woman who alleges rape by friend's husband denies previous romantic involvement

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 8 February 2024, a 55‑year‑old woman accused a man of raping her in a park after a party at his house. She denied any prior romantic or friendly relationship with the accused. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, featured testimony from a friend who described the woman's distress and her refusal to discuss the alleged assault. The woman's own statements to the jury included that the accused entered a bathroom and said, "I could have you now," which she interpreted as a violent threat rather than a sexual one. She denied being coerced into sexual acts, rejecting defence claims that she had engaged in oral sex or other sexual activity with the accused. The case remains pending before the jury. The unnamed 55-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman who alleges rape by friend's husband denies previous romantic involvement. Charges or matters: rape in September 2019 in a park following a party at his house. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 2019 Incident
• 2024-02-08 Publication

Why: During re-examination, she said she and her partner became upset on the Monday after the alleged incident because she didn't want him to hug her. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report