Man accused of sexual crimes against seven women defended his behaviour as 'just banter', court told
A Shropshire man accused of 18 sexual offences against seven women defended his behaviour as "just banter" when challenged about it, a court heard.
Richard Forsyth pushed one victim down onto a bed and also picked her up "like a bride" without her consent, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.
Forsyth, 32, of Brookfield Close, Weston Rhyn, denies charges of rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault against several women. His alleged victims have been giving evidence to his trial this week.
One of the complainants, none of whom can be identified for legal reasons, said under cross-examination on Friday that on one occasion last year Forsyth pushed her onto a bed and sexually assaulted her.
She also alleged that he stood behind her looking at her and remarked that he "enjoyed the view", which made her uncomfortable.
The case so far:
All 18 offences are alleged to have taken place in a period of about five months last year.
Prosecutor Mr Benjamin Lawrence previously told the court that women had reported Forsyth's inappropriate comments and said he appeared to see himself as "God's gift to women".
Forsyth's representative Mr Paul Smith cross-examined the witness and said that she had not mentioned some of her allegations in previous statements.
He accused her of lying about Forsyth's behaviour because of allegations made by another complainant in the case.
Another woman alleged that Forsyth sexually assaulted her while they were standing in a sandwich shop, and another has accused him of lifting up her tunic.
The court has heard that when challenged on his behaviour, Forsyth defended it as "just banter".
Forsyth denies all the charges and the trial continues.
