THE jury in the trial of Wayne McNally have been hearing closing speeches from the prosecution and defence.

McNally, 34, of John Street, Tong Street, is on trial accused of attempted murder of a man, the rape and assault of a woman, and a separate assault, charges he denies.

Prosecutor Gerald Hendron said claims by McNally was adapting his story to fit the evidence during the trial.

He said: “How McNally said he punched the man does not explain the arc of blood on the ceiling.

“He adapted his evidence to fit with the forensic evidence. A defence statement was submitted three days into the trial.

“He altered his account, the blood spatter is not in-keeping with just a punch. He made no comment in interview so he didn’t have to commit himself to a story.

“It is too much of a coincidence that on the sofa where the man was stabbed multiple times a cushion had recent stab holes.

“If you bear hug someone facing away from you, your right hand is on their left side and vice versa.

“McNally said the man stabbed the woman in the left-hand side of her neck, so it is impossible for that blow to hit McNally’s left hand because it would be on the other side of her body. He is lying, again.

“Rape is not always sexually motivated, it is sometimes the ultimate act of violence and degradation. McNally wanted to degrade her in the worst way possible.

“He said her underwear was on the floor when the man came in and while they sat and drunk and took cocaine and then went to Asda.

“Most women are unlikely to leave their underwear in the middle of the living room floor. It was there because she was raped.

“He gave no comment in interview to think up a story, and during the trial changed his story. You can be sure he is guilty.”

Nick Worsley, in defence, told the jury the alleged rape victim made up the allegations up out of “rage, jealousy, and all the seven deadly sins”.

He said: “He punched her twice because she stabbed him in the leg.

“Carrying on with lots of women is not morally apprehensible. He might not be the kind of man you would take home to meet your family, but you’re not here to judge him on that.

“The woman had no injuries consistent with being raped or even assaulted.

“He hit the man in self-defence a number of times to neutralise him. If McNally wanted to cause him really serious harm, what was stopping him? Attempted murder means trying to kill somebody.

“If Mr McNally had pulled the woman’s jeans off, his and the man’s blood would be on them, but they were not tested.

“How dare the forensic scientist blame lack of resources for not checking them? These are some of the most serious crimes he has been accused of.

“The prosecution is jumping on coat-tails of how Mr McNally’s injuries have been caused. They are clutching at straws.”

The trial continues.