A 31-year-old man has appeared in the witness box to deny rape of a woman and sexual activity with a child.

Ryan Sheridan denies sexual activity with a child (a 15-year-old girl) and rape of a woman as he said all sex was consensual and did not take place until after she had turned 16.

Sheridan of Owls End Lane, Upton Snodsbury, near Worcester, further denies putting a person in fear of violence by harassment and assault by penetration as the trial continued at Worcester Crown Court today (Thursday).

The rape is alleged to have taken place on October 31, 2014 and the sexual activity with a child between April 2011 and April 2013.

An assault by penetration is also alleged to have taken place between January 1 and June 20, 2018.

Giles Nelson, prosecuting, took the jury through the defendant's interview with police.

In the interview, Sheridan said the complainant had 'a troubled past' and confessed he had taken legal highs which had affected his 'aptitude' in the interview and that he did not take them any more.

When officers asked him when any relationship became sexual he answered '16' and described her as 'mature for her age'.

He told officers he used legal highs after he stopped smoking cannabis and using alcohol.

Sheridan said of the rape accusation: "I didn't do any of that. No means no. I know what no means."

Of the other allegations, he told officers: "I don't have any recollection of these things happening. They're horrible. They're vile."

Examined by his barrister, Fiona Elder, Sheridan said he suffered from depression and anxiety and had taken sleeping tablets to help with his insomnia.

He explained he had been made redundant by HMV and had then worked as a labourer and a landscaper.

Sheridan accepted that he had twice slapped the complainant and once pinned her down.

He told the jury he had not spat in her face or strangled her.

"At any stage (during sex) did she say no?" said Miss Elder. Sheridan answered 'no'.

At any stage did she resist you?" said the barrister. Again Sheridan answered 'no'.

The trial continues.