A WATERFORD man charged with sexually assaulting a mother of four told a jury yesterday she initiated discussions between them about sexual fantasies and was a willing participant in what followed.
He told the Central Criminal Court: "I did not force her to do anything. I am very sorry for what happened because it has offended everyone and I am ashamed of it."
Cross examined by Mr Joseph Mathews SC (with Mr Hugo Hynes), prosecuting, he said he did not know why she spoke to her husband about it the following day. Her complaint to the gardai left him shattered.
"She was a willing and active participant. She did not resist in any way but consented to what happened. The two of us did it willingly together," he told the jury.
The 46 year old defendant has pleaded not guilty before Mr Justice Shanley to raping and sexually assaulting the woman on July 17th, 1994, in Waterford.
Replying to his counsel, Mr Denis Vaughan Buckley SC (with Mr John Walsh), he said the woman told him about her holiday abroad and the men she had met. He asked her if she had been "bold" or done anything she shouldn't have.
In a smiling way she replied: "That's for me to know and you to find out."
Replying to Mr Mathews, the accused man said the woman was "mistaken" in her evidence. He had no doubt it was the woman who brought up the subject of sexual fantasies.
Evidence in the case has now ended and the jury is expected to begin consideration of its verdict today.