Rugby referee alleged to have raped teenager in Cardiff's Bute Park, court hears

A rugby referee raped a teenager in Cardiff's Bute Park, a court has heard.Simeon Greenaway-Robbins, who was also a teenager at the time of the alleged attack, denies rape, claiming sex between them was consensual.Now 20, Greenaway-Roberts is accused of pushing the victim to the ground as she entered Bute park and ripping the bottoms of her clothing off before raping her on November 10, 2020.The defendant, a paediatric nursing student, of Rectory Close, is facing trial at Cardiff Crown Court and denies two counts of rape.

In a video interview played to the court, the victim claimed Greenaway-Robbins tried to kiss her near Cardiff Central railway station and on his second attempt she relented.

They walked to Bute Park where the victim said she would go to "chill out" but at that point she said the defendant's demeanour changed.The victim said: "He pushed me onto the floor, got on top of me, grabbed me by the neck and then he ripped my clothes, because I had a bodysuit on, he ripped it so it was completely ripped at the bottom, pulled down my leggings and that's when...."He just pushed me onto the floor, went over me because I looked confused. I didn't know what to do, I was grabbing onto the grass because I was scared. He got up, turned me around and did it again and then stopped and put it in my mouth. He was whispering, I froze, grabbed onto the grass. I was terrified, I thought he was going to kill me."Prosecutor James Wilson told the jury they could be sure of three things; the victim's clothing was damaged by Greenaway-Robbins; she had received injuries to her face, neck and breasts which had been caused by the defendant; and within minutes of the alleged rape she made complaints to others.He said the defendant's claim that the sex was consensual and instigated by the victim was "inconsistent" with the aggression used to rip her clothes and the injuries caused, including extensive marks to her neck and bite marks to her cheek and breasts. The prosecutor added: "The choking was a deliberate act by the defendant, a rugby player, a fit young man who admits he's fitter and stronger than (the victim). That act of choking was a clear position of control over (the victim). He admits that himself, it's obvious. The prosecution say from that position of control he raped (the victim)."The court was told that both Greenaway-Robbins and the victim had been drinking but she said she was aware of what was happening to her.

Mr Wilson referred to CCTV of the victim tripping near the train station and said the jury might conclude she was "worse for wear".

He added: "The prosecution's case is Simeon Greenaway-Robbins took advantage of a young and weaker woman than him, someone in drink... he raped her."Defence barrister, David Elias KC, asked the jury to consider Greenaway-Robbins' assertion that the victim had given him consensual oral sex, which was consistent with the mud found on her knees. He said the defendant and the victim were in the park for between 40 and 50 minutes, which was inconsistent with the victim's account.He also referred to CCTV footage which showed Greenaway-Robbins and the victim kissing twice before going their separate ways.The barrister said: "She puts an arm around his waist, leans up and kisses him. He told you that as far as he was concerned she was happy and fine. Is the CCTV consistent with that? We say absolutely."Mr Elias asked the jury why the victim said she had been raped. He said it was not for his client to prove as he "doesn't know what's going on inside her mind".

He referred to "horrible" texts sent by the victim's friend, referring to her as a "slut", and the reaction of the public outside the hotel had influenced her decision to call the police. This was put to her in cross examination of the victim, which she denied.Concluding his remarks to the jury, Mr Elias said: "What we say members of the jury is can you rule out what I suggested to (the victim), that this is what happened and I'm afraid this might be the case and if it might be the case what does that mean? (The victim) having been perfectly happy when Simeon left her, found herself in a bit of bother when a fuss was made when she was injured, had twigs in her hair and was crying. it's quite easy to see how matters have snowballed."The trial continues.