Rape victim 'scared' of going to sleep, court told

RAPIST taunted his vulnerable victim by telling her that nothing would happen if she reported the attack.

- JASON EVANS Court and crime reporter [e-mail]

Newport Crown Court heard the offence took place in the Cwmbran area in May last year when Karl Searle grabbed the woman and forced her to masturbate him before “overpowering” her and raping her.

He then smoked one of her cigarettes.

When the victim said she would report what had happened, the defendant told her: “Nothing will get done. I’m going to deny it”

The court heard the victim did report the assault and the defendant was located, arrested and interviewed.

He was subsequently released on bail but then his whereabouts were unknown until he was found on Merseyside in October and taken to Newport police station for further questioning.

He gave officers a prepared statement denying the allegation of rape but saying there had been some consensual sexual activity.