[A] CARLISLE man accused of twice raping a woman and spraying bleach in her face has gone on trial at the city’s crown court.
Paul James Edward Beattie, 51, denies five charges which arise out of an incident which is said to have occurred on June 6. Beattie has pleaded not guilty to rape, and also denies assaulting the woman both by spraying bleach and repeatedly spitting at her, and damaging a mobile phone.
He further denies a charge of administering a poison or noxious substance with intent – allegedly by “force-feeding” her a prescription drug.
On day one of his trial today (TUES), prosecutor Tim Evans alleged Beattie repeatedly spat at the woman while twice raping her. Beattie also allegedly sprayed bleach in her face, and forced her to eat a quantity of tablets which she managed to hide and spit out.
A jury heard the woman fled, police were informed and she was treated in hospital, requiring “irrigation” with three litres of saline before the chemical level of her eyes returned to normal.
In a recorded interview with an officer seen by jurors, the woman spoke of having being left “violated”, “degraded” and “sickened”.
But the jury was told that when he was interviewed, Beattie, of Howard Place, Carlisle, denied committing any of the alleged offences.
The trial continues.
