Civil servant 'raped in government office'

A senior civil servant was raped in a government office after a get-to-know-you party for staff, the Old Bailey heard today.

Michael Burrell, who worked in the Department of Constitutional Affairs, attacked her in anger when she rejected his advances, the jury was told.

He was attracted to the "bubbly and vivacious" woman although she considered him "insignificant and insubstantial," the court heard. When the party broke up he lured her towards a sofa, forced her to the floor and raped her before she could escape five hours later.

Both Burrell and his alleged victim had been drinking and she was so shocked at the attack she froze before fleeing to the nearby home of a colleague where she called the police. Bobbie Cheema, prosecuting, told the court that Burrell, 36, was single and lived with his sister and her family in Horsham.

He had joined the DCA only six months before the alleged rape in September last year.

The informal party was arranged for members of staff of a number of government departments while ministers were away at the Labour conference. Staff bought wine and crisps in the bring-a-bottle, afterwork event for about 30 people.

The alleged victim, 39, had intended to catch her last train which left at about 11.30pm. Miss Cheema said: "She and Burrell were in the last group left and both were clearly under the influence of alcohol.

"According to her, after the party had broken up she had gone to collect her bag and shoes. She had drunk alcohol and could feel its

effect on her. That evening she had noticed him but made no specific effort to either avoid or approach him.

"But he manoeuvred her to an area where there was a sofa and comfy chairs, pushed her to the ground and raped her."

The court heard she was forced to perform a sex act on Burrell and they had sex again.

"They stayed in that room for five hours. She stayed still hoping not to draw his attention to her again and fell asleep. She woke up after a cleaner arrived in the early hours.

"She left the room, went to the toilets and called another senior member of staff who lived near the office. She left the building at about 4.30am, acknowledged the cleaner on her way out and went to his home in a taxi."

When Burrell was arrested he told detectives: "I just can't believe it." During interviews he denied all the allegations and said his alleged victim had instigated what had happened and urged him to be rough.

The case continues.