A DARWEN man has denied a claim that he raped a woman in her home.

Robert Jackson told a jury at Preston Crown Court that he had sex by consent with the woman on the floor of her home and everything seemed fine when he left her property. The 45-year-old from Lynwood Avenue has pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape which is alleged to have taken place last October.

The prosecution claim that Jackson and another man turned up as the woman arrived home from work. The woman concerned says she was frightened and let the two men into her home. It was claimed the woman struggled with the defendant before he finally raped her. When interviewed by the police Jackson said sex had taken place by consent.

Giving evidence in the witness box Jackson said that he and the woman chatted. He went on to claim: "She put her arms around me and I put my arm around her and we started kissing. We ended up on the settee, then we had sex on the floor."

Jackson was asked by his barrister Mr Paul Hague "Did you rape her?" He replied "No".

The case continues.