Barnoldswick teenager takes man to court over alleged rape (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Barnoldswick teenager takes man to court over alleged rape

1:39pm Tuesday 6th December 2011 in Barnoldswick By Wendy Barlow, Court reporter

A 16-YEAR-OLD was allegedly pushed into a wooden ship in a park and raped as she headed to a party after a girls’ night out, a jury was told.

The teenager started to scream and was said to have been held down by Dale Clifton, who had sex with her as she pleaded with him to stop.

After the alleged attack in the Barnoldswick area in 2005, Clifton ran away, leaving her hysterical, injured and dishevelled.

The alleged victim, who later tried to kill herself, called the police last year and the defendant was arrested, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Clifton, now 23, of Cornmill Place, Barnoldswick, denies rape.

Joannna Rodikis, prosecuting, said the alleged victim had been out in Barnoldswick and Colne.

Clifton had made a pass at the girl in the Tower Bar, Colne, had tried to kiss her, saying: “You know you want to.” The girl made it clear she didn't.

Miss Rodikis said the teenager, who had had quite a lot to drink, later cut through a park.

The defendant was there, again he tried to kiss her, she told him to stop and he said: ‘Come on, come on.’ He then pushed her into a pirate boat, known as The Ship, in the children's play area, held her down with force, pulled up her skirt, ripped off her underwear and forced himself on her as she tried to push him away.

After the alleged rape, the girl went to a friend’s home and told her what had happened.

Miss Rodikis said about a week later, the girl saw the defendant in the street and she thought he smirked.

She tried to ignore him and then collapsed as she was so upset. She decided to try to get on with her life.

Miss Rodikis said in October last year the girl was in hospital, confided in a nurse what had happened and with the nurse’s support, she contacted the police.

Clifton was arrested and on questioning he accepted he had had sex with the girl that night, but claimed it had been with her consent.

Miss Rodikis alleged Clifton had been intent on having intercourse with the girl that night. She continued: “He took no notice at all of her protestations. He was only concerned with himself and his own desires.”

(Proceeding)