AN ambulanceman has told a jury of his "absolute shock" at being arrested and accused of raping a young mother after inviting her back to his home for a coffee.

Trainee ambulance technician Mark Evans insisted to a jury that sexual acts had occurred with her consent -- and that she had even suggested being tied up.

The 25-year-old, of Queen Elizabeth Crescent, Accrington, denies two charges of rape and one of indecent assault in January this year.

It has been claimed that drugs may have been put in her coffee before the attack, making the 21-year-old woman drowsy.

She has told the court that she was tied up. Her whole body felt drained after having a drink of the coffee.

It is alleged that she told Evans she did not want sex following his invite to go back to his address.

Giving evidence at his Preston Crown Court trial, Evans -- who has also worked voluntarily as a police special constable -- told the court how he met the woman at Churchills bar, Accrington, during a night out with a male colleague.

He ended up talking to her and later on he called for a takeaway. Evans claimed that she said they could not go back to her address because her parents were in and that she asked him: "What about yours?"

He said she was more than happy to go back to his address. He alleged that a friend of hers shouted: "Don't forget to wear a condom," as they set off for his home. Evans said that on the way there they stopped a few times to kiss and at one point she said to him: "We can't do much. I am on my period".

At the address he asked if she wanted a drink. He made a coffee, but did not add anything to it.

The defendant said that things became very intimate and a number of sexual acts took place with her consent and that her briefs tore in the passion of what went on.

Evans said: "She seemed to be the one making the moves. She was enjoying herself. We were still laughing and joking and chatting."

He also told the court he asked if there was anything she would like to spice up the fun and that she replied: "You can tie me up if you want." Sex occurred and later on more sex, when she was by that stage untied.

His barrister Mr John Jackson asked him "Were you absolutely certain she was consenting?" The defendant replied: "Yes."

Mr Jackson also asked: "Did anything happen that night that gave you any cause for concern that she was not?" "None whatsoever," he answered.

Evans said he told her he would call her the following day before she left in a taxi. He said he was in "absolute shock" when later arrested by police.

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