AN ABERGAVENNY man accused of raping three women told a jury he didn't cause the bruising to the body of one of his alleged victims, and he was gentle, caring and tender with her.

Michael Glyn Thomas, 44, told Newport Crown court today that he had consenting sex with one of the women in December 2007.

Thomas, of Dolau-Ys-Coed, Fforest Coalpit, denies seven counts of rape on three women, three counts of attempted rape, three of indecent assault, and two of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He also faces charges of false imprisonment, making threats to kill and sexual assault.

The alleged offences date back to August 1986.

A medical statement read out in court said the woman had three parallel marks, consistent with scratches, on the left side of her chest and a small scratch on the lower part of her chest.

She also had superficial small scratches on her left thigh and a bite mark on her breast.

Thomas denied causing the injuries and said he couldn't explain how they got there, adding that he has a metal spike in one of his front teeth which could have scratched her breast, but he denied biting her.

The court heard Thomas allegedly raped the woman before the pair drove out to a petrol station to get cigarettes, and while she was purchasing them, she informed the cashier to call the police.

Thomas was arrested less than three hours after the alleged rape occurred and the woman had blood on her bra strap.

Thomas told the court the allegations were "totally false."