British soap actor Ben Freeman will face trial for the rape of a 16-year-old girl after hoping the court would reject the case.
Ben Freeman failed yesterday in his bid to have his teen rape charge thrown out of court. A Barbados magistrate rejected a plea from the 26-year-old actor that there was insufficient evidence for a trial. It means Freeman will come face to face with his 16-year-old alleged victim as further evidence is heard to determine whether he should stand trial.
Freeman's lawyer had argued there was no case to answer and all charges should be dropped. The police prosecutor had called a dozen witnesses at a series of hearings in private at Bridgetown Magistrates' Court.
Afterwards, Freeman spoke briefly with his father Paul before being ushered out of a back entrance of the court. A court spokesman said the girl would be called back to Barbados to give her evidence in person. So far, only her statement made the day after the alleged rape at the Almond Beach resort last November has been read to the court.
Freeman has claimed they had consensual sex on a hotel sun lounger in the early hours. He has not appeared on screen since being charged with rape.
Freeman is on £26,000 bail. The case was adjourned until May 8.
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