Rape-accused soldier says 'I'd never do that'

A man accused of raping a vulnerable young woman late at night in Norwich city centre has told jurors "I'd never do that".

Bali Hoxha, 29, a Kosovan soldier who had been in Norfolk training personnel from the Ukrainian army, is accused of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

The alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, says she was attacked at about 23:30 BST on 17 September.

Giving evidence during his trial at Norwich Crown Court, Hoxha said the sexual contact between the pair was consensual.

The incident took place on a footpath between Prince of Wales Road and the Riverside Retail Park.

Prosecutor Grace Ong told Hoxha he took advantage of a "young vulnerable woman" who had been drinking.

"No, never," said Hoxha.

"I'm 29. I'd never do that. Even if I lived for 100 years my morals would never allow for me to go that low. Never."

Ong asked if he had spat on the woman and bitten her breast.

"No that never happened in my life," Hoxha replied.

The defendant said his DNA would have been found on her face and clothing because they had kissed and had consensual sex on the footpath.

Injuries were found to her face, right breast and left leg, jurors were told.

Ong said the woman had told him she was tired and wanted to go home.

Hoxha denied becoming violent and said: "There was not a single moment that she needed saving from me."

Hoxha, who said he had served in the Kosovan army for five years, was arrested at the military training facility at West Tofts Camp in Thetford, Norfolk.

During further questioning by his defence barrister Jonathan Goodman, Hoxha said the woman instigated sex and that he had said they should stop because he did not want to continue in a public place.

He said she then invited him to her house.

On Tuesday, the jury heard from witnesses who said the woman ran towards them shouting "I don't know this man".

Hoxha said when the woman left him to join the witnesses, he had turned to walk back to his friends who were at a Norwich bar.

The trial continues.

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