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A NEWPORT man claims a woman he allegedly raped consented to have sex with him.

The alleged victim, in her 20s claims she was raped and dumped in a Llanwern lane by Paul Brand, 20, of Buttermere Way, Newport.

She said Brand offered her a life home, but instead, drove her to the secluded spot, dragged her out, raped her and then drove off.

Brand denies charges of kidnapping, rape and theft, while Lee Chapman, 19, of Piper Close, Newport denies the charge of kidnapping at Cardiff Crown Court.

Prosecutor Jenny Treharne and PC Mark Davies of Gwent Police read extracts to the jury from police interviews with Brand that took place on October 17.

Brand said that he had been driving friends home from Newport city centre on the night of the alleged incident.

"I've taken girls home before that are stranded and haven't got money," Brand said. He said that the alleged victim had flagged his car down with him and Chapman in it and asked for a lift. She then asked if they could go for a drive.

He alleges they drove to a number of locations in Newport, including Beechwood where Brand says the two got out and kissed before returning to the car.

Then after stopping in Llanwern, he says she asked him to get out and have sex with her.

Brand said in interview he would never have sex with someone "out of their mind".

"It's taking advantage. But she was in a position to consent," he said.

Miss Treharne also read a statement out from forensic scientist Margaret Yapp.

She had analysed blood and urine samples from the alleged victim that had been taken around three-and-a-half hours after the alleged crime.

Test showed she had more the twice the recommended alcohol limit for driving.

"She had consumed a level of alcohol that would make an occasional drinker drunk," said Mrs Yapp.

Proceeding

10:11pm Friday 28th March 2008

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