Radio 4 host stands trial for rape

The trial of BBC Radio 4 presenter Nigel Wrench for rape, sexual assault and drugging his victim has begun at the Old Bailey.

The PM journalist is accused of inviting a 26-year-old man back to see his art collection after a New Year's Eve party then drugging and raping him.

Wrench, 47, of Finsbury Park, North London, denies all the charges. His trial began on Monday.

Prosecutor Constance Briscoe told the jury Wrench made a pass at the alleged victim at the party in Kennington, South London, but was rejected.

The presenter later invited the student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, back to his home and told him, "Don't worry, it's not for sex," the jury heard.

He agreed and after drinking champagne at Wrench's flat realised he was "not all was well", according to the prosecution. He felt "flashes of darkness" and "periods of blackness", Briscoe said.

The prosecutor added: "In order to get his way with the victim, he drugged him and he raped him and he sexually assaulted him."

At about 1pm on January 1 he realised he was naked on Wrench's bed with the presenter putting a pill in his mouth, the jury was told.

The presenter was arrested on January 2 and did not answer detectives' questions. Police found drugs including Temazepam at his home.

The trial continues.