A man who allegedly attacked five different women in town told police that he was “blackout drunk” and could not remember any of the offences he is accused of.
Abdelkarim Arfaoui (27) is standing trial in the Royal Court this week accused of a string of sexual offences, all of which he is said to have committed on the same morning on various streets in St Helier.
He denies one count of attempted rape, one count of grave and criminal assault, five of sexual touching without consent, two of assault, and one of threatening and abusive behaviour.
This morning, the jury heard Mr Arfaoui’s police interviews, in which officers asked him about the route he had taken. He claimed he had been up all night, but could not remember several hours during the morning.
He said he had had several drinks and estimated his drunkenness at 6.5 out of ten – but later told officers: “I was blacked out.”
His 6.5 out of 10 estimate was “at the beginning” of the night, he said.
“A big part of it, I could not remember.”
Mr Arfaoui said he could not remember approaching a woman as she walked to work, who alleged he had said obscenities to her and groped her.
He replied “no comment” to further questions, such as if he was unsteady on his feet, and when another of the woman’s allegations was put to him.
Mr Arfaoui’s advocate has claimed earlier in the trial that his client was “intoxicated” and had been trying to ask for directions.
The trial continues.
Commissioner Alan Binnington is presiding.
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