Rape claims are 'lies', BGT singer says
PA MediaA former Britain's Got Talent (BGT) contestant accused of rape has suggested the allegations are a "pack of lies".
Andrew Johnston, from Carlisle, competed as a singer on the TV talent show in 2008 and is on trial at Southwark Crown Court charged with raping one woman and raping and sexually assaulting another.
Mr Johnston, 30, of Newtown Road, denied the charges and said he had "lost everything – my career, my girlfriend", since the allegations.
"I have never sung a note since," he told the court on Wednesday. "I can't bring myself to."
He is accused of slipping off condoms during sex with each woman and continuing to have intercourse. He is also accused of groping and kissing one of the women when she saw him at a club.
In her police interview, the first woman told detectives: "He removed the condom without my knowledge or consent and continued to have sex with me. I then said to him 'stop' and I said it between five or six times and he did not stop."
She said Mr Johnston held one hand on her throat and her arms were pinned with his other hand, and it was only when she "slammed on his chest with both hands" that he stopped.
In a series of answers as he gave evidence, Mr Johnston described it as "energetic, fast" intercourse, "a condom was always used" and "I never put my hands anywhere near her neck".
He added that he "never held her arms down", she "never told me to stop at any point" and the woman "never slammed on my chest, she never said anything".
'Pattern' of similar features
He also denied removing the condom when he had sex with the second woman and holding her around the throat.
Prosecutor Maryam Syed KC told Mr Johnston he had taken a "calculated risk" and "deliberately raped" both women.
She said he used a "pattern" of similar features, including not using a condom or listening to them, and perhaps thought they would not be believed.
Mr Johnston said: "I did not rape those two girls."
Ms Syed put it to Mr Johnston that it is his case that these two women had stood in the witness box "and told this jury a pack of lies".
Mr Johnston said "that's correct".
Ms Syed said: "It is simply your case that these girls are simply making this up?"
Johnston replied with the word "correct".
The trial continues.