A FATHER-of-three accused of raping a teenage boy in a Blackburn multi-storey car park told a jury that the alleged victim had made advances to him.
Suleman Vapiwala , 45, admitted to a jury at Preston Crown court that there was sexual activity between them, but said nothing had happened against the boy's will.
He denied pulling down the teenager's clothing and raping him in June 1999.
The prosecution says that he provided a DNA sample after being stopped for a motoring matter and that linked him to the alleged attack.The boy was 13 at the time.
Vapiwala of Sussex Drive, Blackburn, who was assisted by a translator as he gave evidence, said he came to the UK in 1984 and worked as a sewing machinist. He had been separated from his wife for the last five years.
He said on the day of the alleged offence he had been in Blackburn gambling for three hours and had lost money.
He was concerned about how he was going to support his family and went to sit on a bench in the town centre for a rest.
"I was sat thinking. In the meantime a boy came. He came and said hello to me, trying to be friendly," said Vapiwala.
He said the boy was wanting to talk to him, but he could only reply using certain words. "I did not know English and I was in deep thought," said Vapiwala.
He thought the boy wanted money and was asking for change. "I told him I did not have any money because I had lost it," said Vapiwala.
Vapiwala said he lit a cigarette and the boy asked for one. He smoked half and then gave the rest to the boy.
"After he had finished smoking and threw away the cigarette away, he asked me did I have any time."
He said he was not able to understand what he said and he told the boy "No English".
"Then he explained to me 'if I have got time let's go for a walk'," said Vapiwala.
He said they walked to the multi-story car park in King William Street and sat on the steps.
He told the jury the boy had tried to open the zip on his trousers, and he told him not to touch him.
"I could not control how I was feeling," said Vapiwala.
He said the boy went on to drop his trousers but he denied that he raped him.
When asked if he had done anything against the boy's will he replied "Not a single thing."
He also denied luring him to the car park and pulling him clothing down and pushing him against a wall.
(Proceeding)
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