Telford man denies charges of rape and assault
A woman is alleged to have been assaulted and raped twice by 22-year-old Telford man at her home, a court heard.
Ashley Hall denies the allegations which are said to have happened almost 18 months ago.
A jury at Shrewsbury Crown Court was told yesterday the first alleged assault happened in December 2015 when the woman claims she was slapped across the face.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered an injury to her eye in the incident during which Hall is alleged to have held her down on the floor with his legs and held her by the throat.
Mr Stephen Thomas, prosecuting, said that on another occasion the woman was kicked following an argument. He claimed that again Hall had wrapped his legs round her and held her round the throat stopping her from breathing.
When she got was able to get free it is alleged that Hall chased her and pushed her head against a door.
The jury has been told there were two subsequent early morning incidents when it is alleged that Hall had sex with the woman against her will. Following the second incident on January 7 last year it is alleged the defendant had threatened her with a baseball bat when she said she was going to the police.
Mr Thomas said that Hall was arrested but as a result of him having learning difficulties he was not immediately interviewed.
Hall, of Freestone Avenue, St Georges, who denies all the charges, is being assisted during the trial by an intermediary to ensure he understands the court process. The trial continues.
