Police detective denies woman’s claims of rape

A DETECTIVE constable accused of rape told a jury he has “never” had any sexual contact with the complainant.

Mark Glover, 46, from Penarth, is facing trial at Cardiff Crown Court accused of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault, which he denies.

The trial previously heard that Glover, based at Barry and Bridgend police stations, is accused by one complainant of raping her three times, while he is accused of sexually assaulting another complainant.

Yesterday, Glover took to the witness box where he was questioned by defence barrister Jonathan Rees about his career in the police force and of the allegations made against him.

Glover told the court he had worked in the police force since 1995 after previously working at Barclays Bank.

He started his career in the force as a police constable before becoming a detective in 2002. After a period of living and working in London, Glover returned to Wales to work for South Wales Police.

Glover also told the court he had been married to his wife Rachael since 2006.

Referring to Glover’s sexual relationship with the first complainant, who accused him of sexual assault, Mr Rees asked his client about when sexual activity began.

He said: “It was at [the complainant’s] house. I called over for some reasons and we ended up kissing in the kitchen and it went further.

“I was touching her and she was touching me. We had sex in her bedroom.”

After that occasion, Glover said he and the complainant had sex another six or seven times, which stopped after 18 months.

When asked by Mr Rees if there was a reason why their sexual relationship had stopped, Glover said: “Not that I can recall, it just petered out.”

Mr Rees said: “Was there a change in how you and [the complainant] were together?”

Glover said: “None in my eyes whatsoever.”

The barrister then started to ask the defendant about the second complainant, who accused Glover of rape.

Mr Rees said: “Have you ever had any sexual activity with (the complainant)?” Glover said: “Never, no.” Mr Rees went through the specific allegations made by the complainant.

Mr Rees asked: “Did you at any stage that week rape (the complainant) at approximately 11am?” Glover said: “No, I didn’t.” Mr Rees responded: “She says two weeks later you raped her again. Did you rape her two weeks after that?” The defendant said: “No, I didn’t.” Referring to another allegation made by the complainant, Mr Rees asked Glover whether he had sexually assaulted her. Glover said: “No, I didn’t.” The trial continues.