A FATHER accused of rape claimed yesterday his alleged victim enjoyed their liaison.

Neil Proctor, 27, is accused of attacking the woman after declaring his love for her when she stepped outside of a house party to search for friends in September last year.

But after his barrister, Brian Mark, asked him if the woman had struggled or tried to fight him off in any way, he replied: "She seemed to enjoy it."

The father-of-one told Newcastle Crown Court how he had seen the conquest of the 18-year-old as a bit of a challenge. He said: "When someone goes out on a Friday night and scores with someone, it's a bit of banter the next day telling mates and what not, that's what I mean by challenge."

Mr Proctor denied that the woman had told him to stop and claimed she had responded to his sexual advances.

When asked his feelings on rape, he replied: "It's just something I could never, would never do."

Mr Proctor, of Langley Terrace, Burnhope, County Durham, denies rape, attempted rape and indecently assaulting another female that same night. He claims the sex was consentual, a "simple act of passion, nothing else".

The trial continues.