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Four students stand accused of 'raping woman at annual college ball in filmed attack'

The alleged rape took place at the end-of-year-ball at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Matt Payton
Wednesday 30 March 2016 10:06 BST
Gloucester Crown Court
Gloucester Crown Court (Google Maps)

Four male students are standing trial for allegedly raping a woman during an annual college ball.

This alleged sexual assault took place during the end-of-year ball at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire in May 2014.

The jury were told they would be shown graphic video footage of the alleged incident.

Thady Duff, 22, James Martin, 20, Leo Mahon, 22, and Patrick Foster, 22, deny all the charges they face, which were allegedly committed against the same woman.

A jury made up of six men and six women has been sworn in at Gloucester Crown Court.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC told the jury panel of six men and six women, barrister Fiona Elder would begin the prosecution case on Wednesday morning and they were released until then.

He told them: "This case concerns sexual activity on a ball night at the Royal Agricultural University. Some of that was filmed.

Thady Duff (PA)
Patrick Foster (PA)

"This is going to be what we call adult pornographic material - very short in length - to be watched.

"If any of you feel uncomfortable with that please put your hand up."

Duff, of Stubbs Hill Farm, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire, denies three charges of rape. He also denies a charge of sexual assault against the same woman which is alleged to have been carried out the previous year.

James Martin (PA)
Leo Mahon (PA)

Martin, of Hook Norton Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire denies a single charge of rape.

Mahon, of Lawrence Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire denies three charges of rape and two charges of assault by penetration.

Foster, of Maldon Road, Kelvedon, Colchester, Essex denies one charge of rape and two charges of assault by penetration.

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