OXFORDSHIRE - EX-SOLDIER ACCUSED OF RAPE GIVES EVIDENCE
A man with a military background has testified before a jury, claiming he believed a woman was conscious when he engaged in sexual activity with her.Marc Brown, residing at West George Potts Street in South Shields, is currently standing trial at Oxford Crown Court.
The 51-year-old defendant maintains his innocence against eight charges, which include three counts of rape, three counts of assault by penetration, one count of voyeurism, and one instance of sexual assault.
These allegations pertain to incidents that allegedly took place between 2018 and 2024 involving three different women.
The accused committed the offences in locations such as Carterton, Abingdon, Aylesbury, and in Gwent, Wales.
Brown commenced his testimony before the jury on June 23.
He explained his background, stating he served in the Army from 1991 until 2016, working as an infantry soldier in regions including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
When questioned by his lawyer, Peter Du Feu, about devices used in relation to one complainant, Brown confirmed that he had installed recording equipment, admitting that he was paranoid.
He expressed remorse, stating he had destroyed the devices and promised he would not repeat such actions, although he acknowledged that he had done so again.
Brown admitted to purchasing the recording gadgets online and confirmed that he placed an iPad under a sofa during the incident.
Reflecting on the first alleged event, which took place around Christmas 2018, he described walking into a room, lying on the bed, and engaging in a kiss on the woman's neck.
He claimed that she was awake and signals such as wiggling and thrusting indicated her willingness to be intimate.
However, he also said that when she clenched her buttocks, it suggested she did not want to continue, prompting her to turn away and push him off.
When asked whether he believed the woman was asleep during this episode, Brown responded that he thought she was awake.
Previously, the court heard that one of the women reported Brown to the police in Wales, alleging sexual assault with a sex toy while she was asleep.
Brown insisted at the time he believed she was conscious and aware of what was occurring.
The jury was also informed that a video was found on Brown's laptop showing the woman and her partner engaging in intimate acts at her home.
Additionally, the second complainant alleged that she woke up to find Brown on top of her during sex.
Patricia May, the prosecutor, narrated that a third woman woke up to Brown touching and attempting to kiss her, after which she pushed him away and said 'no'.
The trial is ongoing.
