Student, 21, 'texted woman he is accused of raping that she should 'Pretend this never happened''

  • Bartholomeo Joly de Lotbiniere is accused of raping a woman at York University
  • Victim claims Joly de Lotbiniere forced himself on her after they returned to halls
  • Court heard he text her saying: 'I'll try not to act like a bloody 14-year-old again'
  •  The student, 21, of Kensal Rise, London, denies rape and assault by penetration

By Alexander Robertson For Mailonline

Published: 10:01 EST, 7 February 2017 | Updated: 10:26 EST, 7 February 2017

Bartholomeo Joly de Lotbiniere has gone on trial accused of raping a woman at York University in June 2014

Bartholomeo Joly de Lotbiniere has gone on trial accused of raping a woman at York University in June 2014

A 21-year-old man told a fellow student he is accused of raping 'pretend this never happened', a jury has been told.

Bartholomeo Joly de Lotbiniere has gone on trial accused of raping a woman at York University in June 2014.

In a video interview played to a jury at York Crown Court, the woman described how she and the defendant had been out drinking as part of a group.

When she returned to the hall of residence, she said, Joly de Lotbiniere tried to kiss her and said to her: 'We should have sex.'

The woman said she did not take him seriously and went to the toilet. After she came out and went into her room, she said, the defendant followed her in.

She said he kissed her before taking off her top and bra, picking her up and putting her on the bed.

The woman told the police officer interviewing her that she tried to push Joly de Lotbiniere off as he lay on top of her and raped her.

Prosecutor Gerald Hendron told the jury how, after the alleged attack, the defendant told the woman 'pretend this never happened' and then 'tell no one about this'.

Two days after the incident, the woman texted Joly de Lotbiniere and said: 'I thought I'd let you know I wasn't overly comfortable with what happened on Thursday night.'

The prosecutor said that Joly de Lotbiniere replied: 'Neither am I. I was a disgrace, I did a very stupid thing and I am very sorry for what I did.

'I just hope you can forgive me at some point. I'll try not to act like a bloody 14-year-old again and start acting my age. Sorry.'

Mr Hendron told the jury that in October 2014, the defendant texted the woman again, saying: 'I wanted to apologise to you in person tonight.

The woman told the police officer interviewing her that she tried to push Joly de Lotbiniere off as he lay on top of her and raped her

The woman told the police officer interviewing her that she tried to push Joly de Lotbiniere off as he lay on top of her and raped her

'I wanted you to know I'm very sorry for what I did and that there's no enmity between us. And that we can move on as mutual friends.'

The prosecutor said that in a police interview, Joly de Lotbiniere told officers his apologies related to him being unable to get properly aroused during the sexual encounter.

Judge Paul Batty QC told the jury the issue in the case is one of consent.

Joly de Lotbiniere, of Kensal Rise, London, denies rape and assault by penetration. The trial continues.

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