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Darlington Under-23s Player's Rape Trial Moves to Jury After Closing Speeches

Jurors will begin deliberations after the judge's summary on Monday.

Overview

  • All evidence has been heard at Teesside Crown Court, with closing speeches delivered on Friday afternoon.
  • Defendant Harry Butters, 24, denies charges of rape, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, assault by penetration and sexual assault.
  • Prosecutors allege he pulled into a remote layby and forced sex acts, and the complainant told police she had "given in" to get home.
  • The defence says the encounter was consensual, with teammates Jack Mortimer and Liam Mason testifying they heard the woman say she wanted to perform a sex act.
  • A false imprisonment charge was withdrawn by the judge, while a club secretary offered a positive character reference and jurors were told Butters has no previous convictions.