A Southend man punched the air in relief after a jury cleared him of raping a policeman's daughter at knifepoint.

Michael Williams, 32, of St Vincent's Road, Southend had waited a full day for the jury at Southend Crown court to return its verdict.

The week-long trial heard the young woman accuse Mr Williams of rape.

Denying this, he had said they had formed a sexual relationship and it was her who had initiated sex.

Judge Lockhart told the jury: "You have heard two totally different views. They clearly cannot both be right."

Mr Williams, who chose not to give evidence in court, told police the couple were "horsing about and canoodling" and it was the young woman who initiated sex.

Philip Singer QC, defending, said Mr Williams had previously told the woman he was HIV positive and wore a condom accordingly. He later found out he did not have the virus.

Mr Singer said his client also suffered from a testicular condition. Mr Williams had suggested they stop when the condom ripped and again reminded her of his HIV status. However, she then insisted on performing a sexual act on him.

Mr Williams told police the woman "did not seem to give a damn" about his HIV and continued despite protests.

Mr Singer QC suggested to the jury the woman already knew she was pregnant and was annoyed about Mr Williams' inability to perform adequately.

Mixed with the realisation she might have contracted the virus and harmed her baby, she "freaked out" and cried rape.

Mr Williams admitting running off, telling a friend the police would be after him. He was arrested two days later in Tylers Avenue, Southend.

Det Sgt Stephen Jones told the court when police arrested Mr Williams, he said: "I know she's a policeman's daughter. I know what's coming next."

Prosecuting, James Lloyd, said the young woman claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy.

She also said Mr Williams had ordered her to strip at knifepoint before repeatedly raping her and forcing her to perform a sex act.

By CARL eVE

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