Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Champagne night with Oyston'

Thursday 09 May 1996 23:02 BST
Comments

A former international hairdresser told a court today he had shared a champagne dinner with tycoon Owen Oyston and the blonde model the millionaire is accused of raping.

Ronald Kimber said Oyston had invited him and his girlfriend back to his Mayfair, London, company flat for a nightcap after the meal.

"As we left the restaurant he indicated the young lady was going to dance for him when we got back to his flat," Mr Kimber told Liverpool Crown Court, where Oyston is on trial on two rape charges.

"He invited us back for a nightcap, at which point, assuming it wasn't going to be ballet, my girlfriend said she wasn't in favour of going."

Mr Kimber said the meal at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, was in January 1990, the year after the girl claims Oyston raped her on the four-poster bed in his home, Claughton Hall, near Lancaster.

The 62-year-old multi-millionaire claims he had a long-standing affair with the girl.

Earlier the judge agreed to a request from the jury that they should be allowed to see a Toyota Supra similar to that in which the second alleged victim claims Oyston forced her to perform oral sex.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in