Jury weighs up rape trial

A CAIRNS District Court jury is expected to begin deliberations today in the case of an alleged rape at Kowanyama.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape and assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in May last year.

It is alleged the man bashed the woman, 19, with a metal torch and raped her three times. The jury has heard evidence from a neighbour who said the woman was naked and covered with blood when she ran into her yard.

The trial continues today.