A MAN accused of raping a young woman while she slept has admitted having sexual intercourse with her but told the jury at his trial that it was a consensual act.

Andrew Mark Phillips, 32, is accused of raping his alleged victim at the flat where she was staying after they met during a night out in Charmouth on January 1.

The woman admitted kissing Phillips but claimed she then fell asleep and woke later to find the defendant raping her.

Giving evidence at his trial at Dorchester Crown Court Phillips – who is from Farnham in Surrey but was staying in Charmouth with friends – said there had been consensual sexual contact between the two, which progressed to full intercourse.

However, he said that – despite her initially being a ‘willing participant’ – when they were having sexual intercourse she suddenly stopped and told him ‘no’.

Phillips said: “It came as a surprise and I just moved back and she got up.”

Tim Shorter, representing Phillips, asked his client: “At any stage before that had she said or done anything to indicate that she was not consenting to the act?”

Phillips replied: “No.”

He added: “I believe that she was a willing participant and when she said stop I stopped straight away.”

The defendant said the young woman then left the room and he did not see her again.

The case continues.