Burnley rape trial hears of sex by canal

A BANGLADESHI man accused of carrying out sex attacks on two women has insisted they consented to “business” with him.

Nizam Ahmed told a court he thought there might have been a problem with having sex with his pregnant wife.

He told a Preston Crown Court jury he had not used force on either of the young women in two incidents, weeks part, at the same spot near the canal at Burnley.

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Ahmed (38), living at Arley Gardens, Burnley, at the time, denies one charge of attempted rape and another of rape.

The prosecution has alleged he engaged the women in conversation before grabbing them around the throats and dragging them to a secluded spot. His DNA was said to have been recovered in both instances.

Ahmed said he came to this country in 2002, was allowed to stay for six months but remained. Explaining his purpose for meeting the women, who had both been prostitutes in the past, he said: “My wife was pregnant. I thought it may be a problem if I had sex with my wife.”

In the first instance last August, he said he was walking in Colne Road and met a woman at the bridge. She asked for a cigarette and he gave one to her. “I guessed she must be a prostitute. They operate in that area.” He said he went to the canal and she followed.

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The defendant said: “We had a chat, she agreed to do business with me.” They kissed and he said she put his hand on her breast, but had not touched her anywhere else. They talked about a price. The woman said she would not have sex for anything less than £10, so they went their separate ways, he said.

Ahmed said he met the second woman on the bridge a month later. “She asked me whether I wanted to have business.” The defendant said they walked to the canal. She wanted £10, but he only had £5.

He said she agreed to have sex and they went to a grassy area where it took place. Ahmed said the woman had not resisted, had not indicated she was not consenting and he had not forced her. He denied grabbing her around the neck or using his strength to force her to do things against her will. Afterwards she asked for a cigarette, he gave her one and left.

(Proceeding)

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