Lecale man is accused of rape

Lecale man is accused of rape

10 April 2013

A LECALE man has gone on trial accused of a series of sex attacks on a schoolgirl.

The 53-year-old, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his alleged victim, faces 19 charges which are said to have taken place from the eve of the girl’s 12th birthday right through until she was 18 years old.

Judge Stephen Fowler and the jury heard that the man faces 13 counts of rape, four indecent assault allegations and a charge of buggery.

The offences are alleged to have taken place over a five-year period, starting in August 1994.

During yesterday morning’s opening of the trial at Downpatrick Crown Court, prosecutor Mr. Phillip Mateer told jurors the attacks took place at a number of locations, including the girl’s home and in a vehicle.

He told the jury that the defendant’s version of events was that the man did indeed begin a relationship with the girl, but that she initiated it and that during police interviews the defendant told officers the complainant began flirting with him before the relationship developed.

Mr. Mateer added that jurors would hear further claims that the defendant believed the girl had been “manipulated and motivated by money.”

Mr. Mateer said that on one occasion demanded £5,000, telling the defendant she would then “get out of his face for good.”

The case continues.