A man has gone on trial accused of raping a woman he met on Facebook. Alexander Hutchinson-Bernard is accused of forcing the woman to have sex following their online introduction. The defendant denies being responsible for any sexual assault and says he does not know the woman who has made the allegations and has never met her. Hutchinson-Bernard is on trial at Cardiff Crown Court.
Opening the case against the defendant, barrister Andrew Davies said it was the prosecution case that Hutchinson-Bernard and the alleged victim in the case – “a woman who has had some difficulties in the past” – met via Facebook in February 2023. He described the defendant as a “sexually bully” who “does not accept that no means no” and who uses his physical strength to force himself on a woman.
The court heard it is the prosecution case the defendant subjected the woman to two separate sexual assaults. The first incident involved the defendant putting the woman in a headlock and forcing her head down to perform oral sex on him against her will. The second incident involved the defendant “terrorising” the woman by grabbing her around the throat before forcing her down on her knees and engaging in forced oral sex and vaginal rape.
The woman did not consent to the sexual activity, but the 26-year-old defendant “cared not at all,” according to Mr Davies. The woman later made disclosures about the incidents which led to the police becoming involved. The defendant was arrested and questioned and gave officers a prepared statement denying any knowledge of the complainant.
During the trial, Hutchinson-Bernard claimed he did not know the complainant and had never met her. He also denied sending text messages to her from his phone. He refuted all accusations of sexual assault and strangulation put forth by the prosecution.
Alexander Hutchinson-Bernard, of Bideford Road, Llanrumney, Cardiff, denies two counts of oral rape, one count of vaginal rape, and one count of intention strangulation. The trial before Judge Eugen Egan continues to unfold as more evidence is presented.
For those who have been victims of abuse, support services are available from various charities and organisations to provide help and assistance. These services offer support for survivors of sexual abuse and advocate for anyone affected by such issues.
The trial sheds light on a serious case of alleged sexual assault and serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting victims and seeking justice in such distressing situations.