'Speed-date teacher raped me'

A teacher was raped in her home by a man she met at a speed dating event, a court was told.

The 43-year-old invited teacher Giles Rush, 31, to her west London flat where he allegedly stripped and attacked her.

The pair had met at a Russell Square speed-dating party in November, the jury at Kingston Crown Court heard.

Describing her first meeting with Rush, she said: "I thought he was nice, friendly, smiley and nice looking."

She admitted that she had been flattered by his attentions, and later they shared a joint outside and she took his mobile number.

She sent Rush a text message the following day suggesting they meet again, but both were busy and did not see each other for three months.

Three weeks before their next meeting, the woman said she had been disturbed by a text message from Rush, who was living in Merton.

It read: "I have an hour to spare - can I come round for a **** and a smoke?" She told the court she said no. Soon afterwards, on 17 January, the alleged rape took place.

"Giles texted me to say he was going to football locally," she said. "He was in the area and would I like to meet for a cup of tea."

Rush arrived and the pair chatted for a while before he began kissing her. She described how Rush stripped her and forced her into the bedroom where he raped her.

Rush has denied rape and the trial continues.