TWO brothers accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her flat have chosen not to give evidence during their trial at Ipswich Crown Court.
Before the court are Michael Hargrave, 23, of the YMCA, Ipswich, who has denied one offence of vaginal rape and two of oral rape, and his brother Phillip, 21, of Wilberforce Street, Ipswich, who has denied one offence of sexually assaulting the woman.
Yesterday Judge David Goodin directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on one of the two oral rape charges against Michael Hargrave.
It has been alleged that the Hargrave brothers and two of their friends went to the woman’s flat on February 16.
During the evening the woman had consensual intercourse with Michael Hargrave and he had then allegedly invited his brother and the other two men into the bedroom to “have a go”.
When the woman said she didn’t want to have sex with the other men Michael Hargrave allegedly raped her while his brother allegedly sexually assaulted her. No sexual activity had happened with the other two men.
The jury is expected to retire to consider its verdicts today.
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