Soap actor's rape trial begins
11/10/2008 - 10:57
Former Emmerdale star Ben Freeman has gone on trial in Barbados, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.
The 28-year-old - best known as mechanic Scott Windsor in the ITV1 soap - is alleged to have met the girl at the luxury Almond Beach Resort on the Caribbean island, when both were holidaying with their families in November 2006.
Freeman is said to have taken the girl to a swimming pool at the resort soon after meeting her, where the alleged rape took place.
Director of Public Prosecutions Charles Leacock told the jury that the girl "protested his advances" and was later found "crying hysterically" by her father - who proceeded to attack Freeman.
Another man, who took pictures of the pair on a sun lounger by the pool, is due to give evidence next week, while the alleged victim will take the stand on Monday. Freeman denies the charges.
If he is found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
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