A PORTLAND man accused of rape has been found not guilty after a two-day trial at Dorchester Crown Court.
Elliot Dale Hellier, aged 21, of Pennsylvania Road, was alleged to have committed an offence dating back to August 29, 2012, in a flat on Portland. He was accused of pushing the alleged victim on to a bed and pinning her down, forcing her to have sex with him. The court heard evidence from the alleged victim via video link, including a police interview from May, 2013.
Mr Hellier took to the stand yesterday and denied any sexual activity took place between himself and the alleged victim.
Summing up for the defence, Timothy Shorter asked the jury to consider why the alleged victim waited to inform police of the offence, arguing it was her word against his.
After almost two and a half hours, the jury returned a not guilty verdict.
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