Alleged Rapist Attacked Teen After Police Encounter, Court Hears
A man accused of raping a teenager in Bournemouth allegedly committed the act shortly after speaking with police. The suspect, already under investigation for a previous rape allegation, claims the encounter was consensual.
Brian Nutt, a 21-year-old man, is currently on trial for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in Bournemouth, Dorset, approximately 2 years and 3 months ago. The incident, which occurred on June 4, 2022, has raised questions about police conduct and the handling of potential suspects.
According to court proceedings at Bournemouth Crown Court, Nutt interacted with law enforcement shortly before the alleged assault. A police officer, identified as PC Thomas Kelly, approached Nutt in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens after receiving information from a member of the public. The Lower Gardens, a popular public park in the town center, became the starting point of a series of events that would lead to serious allegations.
During this interaction, Nutt reportedly informed the officer that he was under investigation for a previous rape allegation from August 2021 in Barton on Sea, Hampshire. Despite this admission and Nutt's stated intention of seeking sexual encounters, the police left him in the company of a 16-year-old girl.
Minutes after this encounter, Nutt allegedly forced himself upon the teenager, dragging her into nearby bushes. The prosecution claims that the victim was in shock and described being pushed around "like a doll." Following the alleged assault, Nutt is said to have warned the girl not to report the incident, referencing his previous rape accusation.
When arrested, Nutt maintained that the sexual encounter was consensual, stating that the girl "responded in a positive way" and gave no indication of non-consent. He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against two girls, including the incident from August 2021.
It's important to note that in the UK, the age of consent is 16, and the maximum sentence for rape is life imprisonment. Sexual assault cases often rely heavily on forensic evidence and witness testimony, with false rape accusations being relatively rare, estimated at 2-10% of reported cases.
The trial, which is ongoing, highlights the complexities of sexual assault cases and the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling potential suspects. Bournemouth, a coastal resort town with a population of around 190,000 and an economy largely based on tourism, has seen its local justice system grapple with this high-profile case.
As the trial continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough police work and the critical nature of decisions made in the field. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how potential suspects are handled in similar situations in the future.
"PC Kelly then asked what was he doing in town that night. The defendant replied with words to the effect: 'I'm just trying to get myself some p-----.'"
The Crown Prosecution Service, responsible for deciding whether to prosecute serious criminal cases in the UK, will present its case against Nutt. Meanwhile, the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law remains a cornerstone of the British justice system.
