Man walks free after rape trial

The jury returned a not proven verdict

The jury in the trial of a man accused of repeatedly raping a woman has returned a not proven verdict.

Clark Sutherland, 21, of Kintore in Aberdeenshire, denied attacking the 20-year-old at a flat in Aberdeen on New Year's Day 2006.

The bar worker, who walked free from court, admitted having sex with her but lodged a special defence of consent.

The jury at the High Court in Aberdeen took less than two hours to return the verdict after a three-day trial.

It was claimed Mr Sutherland jumped on her bed while she slept and dragged her out from under the duvet before stripping her and repeatedly raping and abusing her in the early hours of 1 January, 2006.

Outside court

During the trial, the court heard that the woman admitted she had kissed him a couple of times in the months leading up to the night.

She claimed she was left so terrified she has not had a boyfriend since.

Speaking outside of court Mr Sutherland said he just wanted to put the case behind him and get on with his life.

He said: "I don't want to comment. I just want to go home and get back to work."

A jury of eight woman and six men took less than two hours to return the verdict.

One member of the jury had to be discharged on the second day of evidence after falling asleep.