Photographer 'flirted for better pictures'

Dean Coles denies the charges against him

A photographer accused of raping and sexually assaulting young models flirted with them to get the best pictures, Bristol Crown Court has heard.

Dean Coles, 40, of Rodborough, Gloucestershire, told the jury that the flirting sometimes led to sexual encounters.

The prosecution alleges that Mr Coles bullied models and sexually assaulted them.

He denies two counts of rape, one of attempted rape and five of indecent assault against eight women over a five-year period at his Cotswold Model Agency.

During questioning on Monday by his barrister Sonia Woodley QC, Mr Coles said: "The main thing is that the banter between model and photographer is designed to get good pictures.

'Explicit pictures'

"At the end of the day the pictures have to look inviting and saleable.

"If they are explicit pictures the girls have to look like they are happy and that is the sort of thing I wanted to do.

"You have to be flirty and complimentary and tell them how good they look and how well they are doing."

Opening the case for the prosecution, Neil Ford QC had told the jury the agency was advertised in the Yellow Pages as providing advertising, promotional and hospitality services.

But he said Mr Coles was most interested in glamour or soft pornography work.

He said the defendant had requested sexual favours or touched women inappropriately during photo sessions.

Mr Ford said: "He would not take no for an answer and by force or by mental domination and bullying we say he raped and attempted to rape or indecently assaulted the women."

Mr Coles told the court he had to give up a successful building business after injuries from a car accident stopped him doing physical work in 1992.

He and his wife Debbie set up Cotswold Model Agency from their Stroud home in 1994, moving it with them to Rodborough in 1997.

Mr Coles said he "never received a complaint" about his glamour agency work until his arrest.

The trial continues.