A MAN, accused of raping a woman, described himself afterwards as a gentleman, a court heard yesterday.

Joseph Dawson, 24, is charged with rape, two counts of attempted rape and two charges of criminal damage. He denies all charges.

A jury at Bradford Crown Court was told the sexual offences were alleged to have taken place at the canalside in Skipton.

Dawson, of The Coppice, Sutton-in-Craven, told police the sexual activity was consensual.

Prosecutor Jayne Beckett said the offences occurred on April 11 this year. The complainant had been to a barbecue at a friend's house in Skipton. She had been drinking but was not drunk.

At 1am, the defendant, who she knew, began ringing her and threatened to turn up at the barbecue.

The woman was angry that he was pestering her, but agreed to meet him because she wanted to avoid trouble.

They met in a car park and the defendant asked if they could go for a walk.

Mrs Beckett said the complainant walked with him, with her hands in her pockets. They went through the town's bus station to the canal side and, at the suggestion of Dawson, they sat on a bench.

Mrs Beckett said the complainant kept her hands in her pockets and her hood up. Dawson tried to hug and kiss her but she refused.

Mrs Beckett alleged he tried to force himself on the woman sexually, but the complainant was able to stand up. The prosecutor claimed he got her to the floor and pulled her trousers down. She was crying and telling him to stop. She thought he was trying to have sex with her but was able to resist and the defendant got back up.

It is alleged he then got hold of her hair and orally raped her.

Mrs Beckett told the jury that after the alleged rape, Dawson helped the woman to dress and walked her from the scene to her friend's house. As they walked he hugged her.

The complainant went to sleep at her friend's house and the next day went to a police station and made a complaint.

Mrs Beckett alleged Dawson used keys to cause damage to two cars belonging to the woman and her boyfriend.

The defendant was arrested and interviewed. He told police he texted the woman and they met to talk. He said one thing led to another and they were kissing and biting each other.

He said she did not want full sex and he obeyed her, but she performed oral sex on him. He then helped her to dress and walked her to her friend's house. He referred to himself as a gentleman. He insisted that any sexual activity between them was consensual.

The trial continues.