Dylan Sims, 20, from St Mary’s, Wantage, is currently on trial at Oxford Crown Court, facing charges of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
The alleged incidents reportedly took place between May 1 and December 31, 2021, with an additional rape count allegedly occurring on July 28, 2022. Sims has denied these charges, although he previously pleaded guilty to two counts related to the supply of cocaine and one count concerning the supply of a class B drug, specifically cannabis, in April of this year.
During the trial on Tuesday, May 6, Sims testified, claiming both women involved consented to the sexual activities. His arrest came in August 2023, after which he participated in two police interviews carried out under caution.
In his submitted statements, Sims denied allegations of raping the two women and stated he never engaged in sexual relations with them nor met them in person. He admitted, however, to lying during police interviews in October 2022 and March 2023. Sims explained that he fabricated his statement claiming he had no sexual contact or interactions with either woman, citing mental health issues and frequent cannabis use as factors affecting his honesty. He added, “I have different medication now, so I can be sure of what I am saying.”
One of the women claimed she first met Sims in May 2021 while working together in Wantage and that they met outside work when he invited her out late one night. According to Sims, their subsequent sexual activity was consensual, and he routinely checked on her well-being, noting, “I always do that. That’s common sense.”
Additionally, the woman alleged that Sims persisted in penetrating her with his fingers for ten minutes on a park bench in Wantage, despite her requests for him to stop due to discomfort. Sims acknowledged having sex in the park but maintained it was by mutual consent.
The second woman recounted an instance involving herself, a friend, and Sims, which involved picking up cocaine from him after a night at the pub on July 29, 2022. The complainant alleged that Sims later accompanied them to their flat, where they took drugs, drank, chatted, and played video games, until she alleged she fell asleep. Sims, however, asserted that the woman did not fall asleep, and any sexual encounter was consensual.
The trial continues.
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