Detective claims sex with alleged victim was consensual

A DETECTIVE constable accused of rape denied being a “sexual predator” after claiming the sexual relationship between him and one of his alleged victims was consensual.

Mark Glover, 46, from Penarth, denies three counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual assault.

A trial at Cardiff Crown Court previously heard that married Glover, who was based at Barry police station, is accused by one complainant of raping her three times and of calling her a “selfish tease” when she did not consent to sex.

Yesterday, Glover’s interview with police following his arrest last year was read out to the court by prosecutor Simon Mills.

The defendant claimed his sexual relationship with the first complainant was consensual.

Speaking in his police interview, Glover, who worked in a bank before joining South Wales Police in 2005, said: “She has been freely compliant and fully consensual with this. This is completely out of left field.”

He added: “My sexual life with my wife hasn’t been great and we hadn’t had sex for a while.”

The court heard Glover, who has played and coached both rugby and cricket for local and police teams, met his wife Rachael in 2000 and they married in 2006.

Glover went on to say there had been times when the complainant had told him that she didn’t want to have sex and he had respected her decision.

He said: “There had been a couple of occasions where I have tried it on with her and she said no but I certainly never grabbed her or put her hand on me. I never forced her to do anything.

“Yes, we have been touching but if she has said no I have let it go. Everything me and [her] did was consensual from day one.

“There was a time we were kissing and cuddling and I grabbed her bottom and she said ‘Not today, I’m not feeling well’ and I left it at that.

“I am not in the habit of forcing myself on her or of being physically, emotionally or mentally abusive towards her. For this to come out like this is unbelievable.”

He added: “I care for her dearly and I would never take advantage of her. The times she has said no I have backed off and walked away.

“I couldn’t do it, it’s not me. I am not a sexual predator.

“Every time I had sex with her or anything it has been with her consent.”

Glover, of Carys Close, Penarth, denies any sexual relationship with the second complainant, who claimed he forced his hands down her trousers and told her: “You know you want it.”

In a recorded police interview, the woman said Glover’s alleged behaviour made her feel “threatened” and “anxious” about being alone.

The trial continues.