Private hire driver denies raping heavily intoxicated woman in Middlesborough

A private hire driver from Middlesbrough is on trial for allegedly raping a female passenger who says the driver climbed over the vehicle’s middle console to assault her.

The accused denies rape, saying the woman initiated sex with him and tried to unzip his trousers.

The alleged incident is said to have happened after the driver picked the woman up from Redcar High Street, one night in early 2019.

The court heard that the driver- who was known to some of his customers - had clocked off from his shift an hour before he picked up the woman.

During cross-examination, the woman was asked if she had used this driver before, if it was correct that nothing at all was said during the alleged attack, and if she had perhaps taken cocaine that night as there were traces found in her system. As first reported by Teesside Live, she replied that she "couldn't remember" to each question.

The alleged victim confirmed that she had been drinking at home before she went out that night, and that she drank vodka and coke, Jägerbombs and some shots while out. Mr Hunt also asked her about the cocaine that was found in her system.

The driver denies any wrong doing. The trial continues.