Oct 20 - Third Day Of Attempted Rape Trial – Defendant “Cried For Help”
A 27-year-old man accused of attempting to rape a disabled woman in her sixties was heard crying for help on CCTV footage shown during a Supreme Court trial.
Karim Rudge could be heard shouting “please help me” and “they’re going to kill me” on the video footage shown on the third day of his trial.
Rudge maintains his innocence in relation to one count of attempted rape and another of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, but has pleaded guilty for a further charge of possession of a bladed article.
The jury heard from Rudge’s friend who he was staying with at the time, and a number of police officers today who were involved in the incident which allegedly happened on 18th March earlier this year. Among the police officers giving evidence today was PC Nicole Buckley who was the first on the scene with ‘Coco’ from the RGP’s Dog Section.
She described how she arrived on the scene and was told by the complainant that a man was upstairs on the first floor carrying a knife, so she sent the dog up to assess the situation.
On the extended CCTV clip shown while PC Buckley was giving evidence, footage showed a man allegedly stumbling into a room. The jury was able to hear the defendant calling for help, while refusing to state his name despite requests from the police.
Shortly after, police officers go upstairs and use a riot shield to restrain the defendant who is lying on the floor before handcuffing him.
Officers giving evidence said they recognised the man being arrested as Karim Rudge, and he is heard giving his name on the video footage. A serrated edged knife is picked up from the floor and was taken in as evidence.
The jury yesterday heard how the victim’s son-in-law had set up a pet-cam in his bedroom to watch out for his two grey cats. The camera, which is activated by movement, records high definition audio and video.
PC Francis Marin gave evidence at the trial this afternoon, and said the defendant was first charged with aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon, but was subsequently de-arrested and later charged with attempted rape, trespass with the intent of committing a sexual offence and possession of a bladed article. While the defendant was in custody, he was described as being heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Rudge is being represented by Elliott Phillips and Danielle Victor, while Robert Fischel QC and Mark Clive Zammitt appear for the Crown.
The trial, being heard by the Chief Justice Anthony Dudley, continues tomorrow.
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