Attempted rape accused says alleged victim “confused”

Thursday 16 February 2023

A 35-year-old man accused of climbing into a woman’s bed and attempting to rape her has claimed the alleged victim is “confused on what she remembers”.

Thomas Matthew Jackson - who denies two counts of sexual touching and one of attempted rape - gave evidence before a jury on the third day of his Royal Court trial yesterday.

The prosecution argues that Mr Jackson climbed into the woman's bed and touched her over her bra and through her underwear.

During cross-examination by Crown Advocate Matthew Maletroit, prosecuting, Mr Jackson said he had "no reason" to go into the woman's bedroom.

He continued: "I'm pretty sure that I didn't go in there, I don't have a clear memory of it, I don't remember going anywhere near the bedroom, I can't be 100% sure.

"I had no reason to go in there."

Asked by Advocate Maletroit why the woman would "go through the ordeal of giving evidence" if the alleged incident hadn't occurred, Mr Jackson replied: "She's confused on what's happening, I think she's confused on what she remembers, I think."

Mr Jackson admitted he had been "extremely drunk" on the night of the alleged offence.

Advocate Allana Binnie, defending, asked Mr Jackson how drunk he was on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the most drunk - he said he was "nine or ten".

The trial continues this morning. The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, is presiding.

More from the case...

Woman said alleged rape attempt left her with "flashbacks"

"She was a wreck, she was hysterical"