'Any DNA test would prove I'm innocent' Coventry man denies raping 17-year-old.

Byline: JAMES McCARTHY 

A MAN accused of raping a 17-year-old girl has denied taking cocaine but admitted drinking about 15 pints on the day of the alleged attack.

Coventry Crown Court heard Matthew Kearney, 23, of Charter Avenue, Canley, Coventry, made the admission to police when he was quizzed by Det Sgt Iain Donnelly about an incident on August 17 last year.

Kearney denies one charge of rape.

Coventry Crown Court heard he told DS Donnelly any cocaine would have belonged to his cousin, as it was not his "sort of thing".

Kearney played down the drinking, saying it had taken place over a period of more than 11 hours.

He was unable to explain why rape allegations would have been made against him but remained confident they would be proved untrue, saying he was comfortable any DNA test results would find in his favour.

Denying he committed rape, he told DS Donnelly: "There was no (sexual contact) whatsoever, other than the kiss I gave her. I stand 100 per cent by my story."

Police doctor David Moore examined the 17-year-old. He explained she had bruising consistent with being grabbed by the arms and genital injuries that could have occurred during sex.

But the court heard the doctor said he could not be sure how these injuries were caused, or whether sex was consensual or not.

The case continues.