Telford man accused of rape and assault says allegations are untrue

Ashley Hall of Freestone Avenue, St Georges, Telford, gave his evidence yesterday during the trial taking place at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

The 22-year-old denies the allegations which are said to have happened almost 18 months ago.

The first alleged assault happened in December 2015 when the woman claims she was slapped across the face.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered an injury to her eye in the incident during which Hall is alleged to have held her down on the floor with his legs and held her by the throat.

While on another occasion it is alleged the woman was kicked following a row over the television.

When the allegations were put to him during him giving evidence, Hall told jurors he didn't assault or rape the woman.

He said the injury to her eye was caused as a result of her being hit in the face by a football outside her home, when she was stood on her doorstep.

In the incident relating to the television, Hall said he didn't kick the woman but instead held her arms to restrain her, as he claims she was behaving aggressively but said he let her go, once she had calmed down.

Earlier this week, the jury were told there were two subsequent early morning incidents when it is alleged that Hall had sex with the woman against her will.

Yesterday Hall said that was untrue, while giving evidence in the dock.

It was also alleged the defendant had threatened the woman with a baseball bat when she said she was going to the police but Hall denies this.

On January 7, 2016, the woman went to the police and Hall was subsequently arrested but as a result of him having learning difficulties he was not immediately interviewed.

Hall, who denies all the charges, is being assisted during the trial by an intermediary to ensure he understands the court process.

The trial continues.