A 58-year-old man on trial for allegedly raping a woman in Dartford has admitted some sexual contact did take place between him and his alleged victim.

Richard Newbury admits kissing the woman and reaching inside the tracksuit bottoms of his accuser at an address in the town on April 8 last year.

But he denies one charge of sexual assault and another of rape.

When he was arrested Newbury initially told police there had been no sexual contact between him and the victim but later admitted there had been.

During cross-examination at Maidstone Crown Court today Newbury, of Mercer Close, Larkfield, claimed his alleged victim had initiated the contact and he had "stupidly" responded.

Prosecutor Paul Valder told the jury of seven women and five men: "The fact they were crossing a boundary on any view does not seem to have crossed his mind at any stage.

"His mind seems to have remained blank throughout.

"When he was arrested he denied it, hoping the victim would be thought unreliable, that she would not be believed and that it would all go away.

"The prosecution say that the defendant's account beggars belief and it beggars belief, because it's not the truth and the defendant can't tell you the truth because if he did, he would have to admit his guilt."

Defending, Charlotte Newell reminded the jury DNA evidence had failed to prove the alleged rape occurred.

She said: "It is one thing to get carried away in an unexpected embrace but it is another thing, a quantum leap, to then rape that person.

"He is a man of 58 with no previous convictions or cautions.

"What are the chances that, out of the blue, he has become a sexual, predatory rapist waiting to pounce?

"It is inherently implausible that he is some sort of rapist in waiting, given his previous good character."

Judge Charles MacDonald is expected to give his summing up to the jury tomorrow.

The trial continues.