Luke West ‘researched how to rape women in daylight’

Luke West used his phone to search “how to rape and get away with it”, “how to rape a woman in daylight”, “how to surprise attack your victim”, and “step-by-step guide to rape a woman”, a jury was told.

The 29-year-old from Southampton is accused of rape and grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent against a 40-year-old woman following an incident in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens on November 13.

His alleged victim needed surgery for a fractured eye socket.

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Standing before Winchester Crown Court West, who denies the charges, claimed he was sexually abused at boarding school during his teens and while in a children’s home.

He told the jury he was simply using his phone to research how this abuse happened to him.

A police officer at Bournemouth Lower Gardens next to Gervis Place in the town centre.

Giving evidence, West said he had been in Bournemouth for work, and on the night of the attack, he and a friend had visited the strip club Wiggle.

They then returned to his friend’s flat in Yelverton Road, but West says he was unable to sleep because he missed his partner.

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He claims he then went out for a walk and to pick up an ounce of cannabis “to relax” from a drug dealer in the Lower Gardens.

After taking some of the drugs West says he went to relieve himself.

He said: “As I stopped I heard something that did not sound quite right. I said hello and saw a male pop his head up. He had a scar under his right eye.

“I noticed there was a leg. I said, “are you alright over there?”

“ I could see the female there and the injuries on her face. He had clearly attacked her. I kicked him in his head.

“He stood up looking at me like a crazy man before lunging at me.

“He punched me round the back of the right ear and took me to the floor. I was shouting for help and trying to protect myself. He grabbed my head and smashed it on the floor. I shouted for help two or three more times and with that, he got up and ran off.

A police cordon in Bournemouth Lower Gardens next to Gervis Place in the town centre.

"The woman was still in the bush. I went to try and help her. She was in a really bad state. I held her hand to comfort her and let her know someone was there. She was gargling. It seemed like she was struggling to breathe.”

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When a security warden and another man arrived on the scene West reportedly told them to ring the police and said he he left the gardens.

He told the court that he ran from the park to try and find the attacker because he was in shock.

The trial continues.