Man accused of raping girl 'had a flirty exchange'

A man accused of exploiting and raping a 16-year-old girl who had run away from home, told a court it was 'obvious' she was interested in him.

- BY CARL JACKSON

Arqash Zaffar stated he had a 'flirty exchange' with the female before she got into his car on Alum Rock Road, Birmingham, and they spent the night together.

The 41-year-old told a jury that he dropped her off after she gave him consensual oral sex, but then he picked her up again because she was homeless and he felt sorry for her.

Zaffar, also known as 'Mikey, stands trial at Birmingham Crown Court alongside three other men denying multiple offences.

It is alleged that between July and August 2019 he repeatedly raped the girl, arranged for her to be exploited and caused her to be sexually abused by others in a hotel room full of men.

Giving evidence, Zaffar confirmed he was married at the time but separated from his wife.

He stated he first encountered the girl, who claimed she was aged 19, while driving his BMW with co-defendant Mohammed Nadim, aka 'Dimma, on Alum Rock Road on July 20, 2019, the court heard.