Man, 73, denies raping woman with dementia
A 73-year-old man has denied raping an elderly woman, who suffers with dementia, in her Shropshire home.
Peter Rowley allegedly entered the 68-year-old woman's sheltered accommodation before forcing himself on her, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.
The alleged victim told the court and Judge Jonathan Gosling via video link how she was "scared and embarrassed" after the man entered her living room on December 28, 2014.
She described how Rowley removed her trousers, which caused her to shout, alerting one of her carers who was nearby.
The carer allegedly entered the living room to find the victim on the floor with Rowley standing near her.
This caused the carer some alarm, which is when she decided to call the police.
During the first day of the trial yesterday the victim explained how she knew Rowley previously to this alleged assault and said she had previously woken up to find Rowley in her room. She said how she was friends with his wife and invited them to her flat for some drinks. However she said on this occasion Rowley was not invited, and his wife was not with him.
Rowley, of Apley Court, Wellington, denies a charge of rape, stating the pair had a sexual relationship prior to the alleged assault.
However Mr Niall Skinner, defending Rowley, asked the alleged victim if the pair had previously shared a sexual relationship, which she denied saying she had never been with a man before. The court was also shown a video of the victim's police interview on the day of the alleged rape.
During the interview the alleged victim said Rowley entered her flat, and she asked him what he was doing.
She said he sexually propositioned her before forcing her to the floor.
The court also heard how Rowley did not know the victim's carer had a key to her flat and therefore did not expect to be disturbed. The trial continues today.
