Prostitute raped by client

From the The Bolton News, first published Monday 7th Jul 2008.

A PROSTITUTE has told how she was raped by a client after he refused to pay the £20 she asked for sex.

A jury at Bolton Crown Court was told that the 24-year-old woman met her alleged attacker, Mathew James David McManus just after midnight in July last year.

Giving evidence via a video link the woman said that she was on Shiffnall Street, Bolton and had been chatting to friends when McManus followed her and asked her if she "wanted business."

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court that she was a regular heroin user and had been working as a prostitute since the age of 14.

She said that they agreed a price for sex.

"I turned round and said £20 for sex but you have to use a condom. I always use a condom," she said.

She added that McManus took her to a nearby car park off Carlton Street but he refused to give her the money in advance.

When she tried to walk away he grabbed her and raped her without using a condom.

Afterwards the distressed woman found her boyfriend nearby and the police were called.

Jaime Hamilton, prosecuting, said that DNA evidence linked the rape to McManus.

He admits having sex with the woman but claims he paid her and the act was consensual.

McManus, aged 24, of Hilton Lane, Little Hulton denies rape.

Mr Hamilton stressed to the jury that, despite being a street worker, the woman can still be a victim.

"The real issue in this case is one of consent," said Mr Hamilton.

"He (McManus) tells of a transaction that took place between a client and prostitute. She tells a story that is different.

"Simply because the complainant is a prostitute does not mean that she is someone that is incapable of being raped "She is to be judged by the same fair standards that you would judge any other complainant."

Proceeding

Archive Home