Trial of Littlehampton dad accused of rape begins

Mark Loten, 50, of Dorset Close, Littlehampton, is standing trial on three counts of sexual offences, alleged to have happened in 1991.

Prosecuting, Rachel Beckett said the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered ‘violence’ at the hands of the defendant and he was ‘nasty’ prior to the attack.

Miss Beckett told Chichester Crown Court on yesterday (Tuesday, September 24) that following the alleged rape the victim discovered she was pregnant.

“She requested a termination of this pregnancy. She could not have that child.”

Miss Beckett said the victim described Loten’s face as ‘looking evil’ during the attack.

The jury heard Loten, who had a gambling problem, was ‘very strong’ and a friend of the victim described him as ‘controlling’.

“She was aware he had become threatening and nasty and had threatened her with a boiling kettle,” said Miss Beckett.

Although the rape allegedly took place more than 20 years ago it was only reported to police in August last year.

Loten has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case continues.