Oxford University student is accused of rape at party
AN OXFORD University student appeared in court yesterday charged with raping a woman at a party.
The hearing heard how 19-yearold chemistry student Oliver Mears has put his studies on hold to concentrate on his trial, which is due to go before a jury next year.
At Guildford Crown Court yesterday, Mears denied rape and sexual assault. The alleged attack is said to have been carried out a year before he received his successful A-level results.
Alphege Bell, defending, said a sexual encounter took place at a party in Horley, Surrey, between July 22 and 24, 2015.
Judge Robert Fraser, the Recorder of Guildford, was told that ‘a large number’ of people who were at the party when the alleged offence is said to have taken place would be called as witnesses.
The trial is expected to last between five and six days and is set to start at Guildford Crown Court next January.
Mears, of Horley, was released on conditional bail.
He began studying at St Hugh’s College last September, where previous students include Prime Minister Theresa May and former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan.
The college is one of the largest at Oxford, with around 800 students. Founded to give women an Oxford education, it has admitted men since its centenary in 1986.