Fireman cleared after false rape claim

Jan 25 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

A FIREMAN was cleared of rape yesterday after claims a woman had “made up” the sex attack because he refused to be her sperm donor.

Firefighter Christopher Slade, 41, told Cardiff Crown Court how the 35-year-old, who can not be named for legal reasons, went to police to report the bogus rape after being snubbed over her request for his sperm.

Slade told how the woman – a lesbian – wanted him to father a child for her and her female lover, but he refused.

The court heard she and her partner then paid £3,000 for IVF treatment to get pregnant.

Father-of-two Slade claimed the woman and her partner are “jealous” of him and his family.

Jennet Treharne, defending Slade, said, “You asked the defendant to be a sperm donor for a child with your partner.

“You were annoyed when he said no and had to pay £3,000 instead. You are jealous of the defendant and knew the best way to get him back was to make up these allegations.”

Miss Treharne said the woman’s partner called Slade’s fire station and told staff he was a rapist in a bid to get him sacked. She then said the woman called the police to report a drink-driver and told them Slade was in a pub with his family.

Miss Treharne said, “You have deliberately told lies against him – you are vindictive of him because of jealousy.”

But the victim said she was telling the truth and that Slade had raped her on several occasions.

She said, “I’m here to tell the truth and that’s all I’m here for.”

She said she didn’t report the rapes because she was frightened she wouldn’t be believed.

Slade, of Barry, was found not guilty of rape and indecent assault.