Warning: This story contains details of alleged rape that may be distressing for some people.
The Wellington District Court has been told a local musician charged with a raft of sexual offences raped several women, one while her mother was home.
The defendant, who has name suppression, was arrested in 2020 as part of a large investigation into sexual offending in the capital that was sparked by allegations made on social media.
The 25-year-old musician has pleaded not guilty to eight charges from six different complainants. Four charges are for rape, two for unlawful sexual connection, and two for indecent assault.
"The Crown case is on each occasion the defendant has taken advantage of the complainant who at the time was asleep and/or affected by alcohol," said Crown lawyer Kate Feltham.
The Crown said the real issues in this trial will centre around consent, which Feltham said the complainants weren't in a position to do since many were asleep in beds after a night of drinking.
One of the complainants gave evidence on Monday, saying the man was meant to be sleeping on her parents' couch after her birthday party. But she alleged he went into her room and violently raped and choked her.
She said she woke up and noticed someone on her bed but didn't know who it was. She alleged he was leading on that he wanted to have sex with her, but she "froze", "couldn't talk", and "couldn't even say stop".
As the alleged rape was taking place, she said the accused turned her onto her stomach and was pushing her neck into a cushion.
As she was giving evidence, she recalled she was "just trying to breathe" at that moment, but a lot of the time she couldn't.
The day after the alleged rape, the woman said she received a "patronising" message from him saying, "Thanks for the night, buttercup".
The defendant's lawyer Val Nisbet spoke to the court on Monday afternoon.
"The defendant accepts sexual activity occurred with four of the complainants. He'll tell you it was his belief and understanding at the time that all of them consented," he said.
He added that just because the accused has been arrested and charged doesn't mean he's guilty.
Before opening submissions, Judge Andrew Becroft warned the jury against using the internet.
"Mr Google has no part in this trial. It's the evidence you hear and is presented in court that is all you can consider."
The accused is also giving evidence this week and the trial is expected to take at least seven days.
