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Rape trial man tells of 'trying luck'

Monday 20 July 1992 23:02 BST
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A TAXI driver accused of raping a passenger told police that he was 'trying his luck', a court was told yesterday. Frank Welton, 25, of Camden, north London, denies twice raping the 22-year-old Spanish au pair as she made her way home from a West End party with friends from her English class.

Sally Bennett-Jenkins, for the prosecution, told Harrow Crown Court, north-west London, that after flagging down his black cab, the woman was twice attacked by Mr Welton, who got into the back of the vehicle.

Ms Bennett-Jenkins said there was no dispute that the man had had sex with the woman. In an interview with police, the cab driver said he was chatting to her and it progressed. He decided he would 'try his luck with her'. He told her she was attractive and kissed her. She responded, and they made love. He maintained sex was with her consent.

Mr Welton dropped her off at her home and her boyfriend woke up to find her standing by the bed, crying and with her clothes dishevelled. He convinced her to contact the police.

The trial continues today.

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