A MAN accused of raping a woman after posing as a taxi driver insisted the victim consented to sex and was in control of what took place, a court heard yesterday.

Preston Crown Court heard that Asif Ali, 24, of Lee Street, Burnley, denies a charge of rape.

A jury heard allegations that he purported to be a taxi driver while out in the Burnley area in July this year.

The woman, who was in her 50s, had been out with her partner on the night of July 4. Both had considerable amounts to drink and while later walking home, an argument and a bit of a fight occurred.

They went to hospital and when making their way home were approached by the defendant, said the prosecution.

The woman's partner got out at a petrol station in order to get change for the fare and asked her to get out of the vehicle, though she refused.

Miss Joanne Rodikis, prosecuting, said the man saw the defendant suddenly drive off. The vehicle travelled to a rural area where Ali is alleged to have raped the woman, despite her pleas for him not to.

Giving evidence to the court, Ali said he had seen the couple near the hospital and thought the woman was distressed.

Ali said: "She wanted a lift home. She asked me to get her away from him. She got into the car."

He claimed the woman later performed a sex act on him and that they went on to have sex.

The defendant, said: "She said it was nice, different." At no time did he get the impression that she was unwilling to indulge in sex.

Afterwards he asked the woman if she wanted to go home. He said she indicated where she wanted the car to pull over.

He added: "She said what had happened between us was nice and asked me my telephone number.

"She leaned over the car and kissed me on my cheek. She had been totally in control of what had happened."

(Proceeding)