A FATHER-OF-TWO accused of raping and indecently assaulting his former wife told a court yesterday she consented to sex.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denied raping his former partner of six years and told the jury, "It was just sex".

The man, from County Durham, is standing trial at Teesside Crown Court on two charges of rape and indecent assault. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

He told the court he had gone to visit his former wife at her home in Wolsingham, County Durham, to discuss problems with one of their children, but that the conversation turned to sex.

He said they started kissing and touching each other.

Giving evidence, he said: "She was in ecstasy, it is as simple as that. I pulled her jogging pants down. There was no resistance.

"I stopped. I did not want to carry on. I felt terrible of what I was doing to my partner. It was not fair on her.

"It was just sex. It was a feeling that I am totally ashamed of. I was then and I am now.

"Unfortunately, I have to live with that guilt of sleeping with my ex-wife. She was consenting."

The woman earlier told the court he attacked her in her living room on July 13, and said he had indecently assaulted her on another occasion.

She said she could not have prevented him raping her because he was a big man, over 6ft.

The accused admitted he still had feelings for her.

He said: "I gave her a cuddle. I said, 'is there any chance of us getting back together?'

"She said, 'get off', then that was it."

The trial continues