Ex-lecturer admits rape

A former psychology lecturer at a university college has pleaded guilty to raping a former student three times.

Shaun Farrell, 39, of Watchet, Somerset, appeared before Reading Crown Court, wearing a light blue t-shirt and bandages on his arms.

Farrell, a former lecturer at Christ Church College in Canterbury, pleaded guilty to three counts of raping the same woman, a former student at the college.

Ginger-haired Farrell spoke only to confirm his identity and to enter pleas of guilty to the three counts.

Defending, Michael Sayers said his client wished to spare his victim the ordeal of having to attend court.

"He is a lecturer and senior tutor in psychology and appreciates the predicament that he faces and wishes to proceed as quickly as possible with getting help for the necessary and obvious defaults in his own system," he said.

Farrell was remanded in custody until 19 September to allow medical and psychiatric reports to be prepared.