Telford rape accused cannot explain assault claims

Three women made complaints to police after spending time alone with a man from Telford who has been accused of rape, but the defendant cannot explain why, a court heard.

Paul Ahoto, of no fixed abode, yesterday told Shrewsbury Crown Court he could not explain why his three alleged victims, who cannot be named, made complaints of sexual assaults soon after paying visits to his former homes.

Ghanaian Ahoto, speaking through an interpreter, was quizzed by prosecutor Mrs Janet Pitt-Lewis.

She said: "Each of the three girls made a complaint against you shortly after they left you. If all three are lying why do you think each made a complaint?"

Ahoto told jurors he regarded two of his alleged victims as his girlfriend at the time. He said he never regarded the third woman as his girlfriend or his friend.

Ahoto told the court he had been responding to their advances.

Ahoto denies sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity with a teenager and rape, as well as three charges of false imprisonment. The trial continues.