A SOLDIER accused of rape has admitted telling police "a massive lie" when he was first questioned about the allegation.

Jacob Bell insisted nothing had happened between him and a young woman at a house party in 2017.

But three months later – after DNA tests showed there had been intimate contact – he admitted they had sex.

Mr Bell, though, told detectives it had been consensual and had been instigated by his accuser.

The 21-year-old told a Teesside Crown Court jury that he was "scared and confused" when he was arrested.

He denied his change of story was because he knew he would be confronted by damning scientific evidence.

He said he wanted to get out of the police station as quickly as possible because he had plans for his father's birthday and was about to be deployed to Estonia.

Mr Bell was dressed in checked grey trousers and a white shirt with a regimental tie as he gave evidence on the third day of his trial.

His barrister, Rod Hunt, said: "The jury have that first interview and they know that you told a big lie to the police. a massive lie."

"Yes," Mr Bell replied.

"They are entitled to know why," Mr Hunt added.

The army gunner said: "I have never been in a police station other than to collect a lost wallet.

"I was in a holding cell. I was scared. I had stuff planned. I was confused and I was not thinking straight at that point."

Mr Bell is alleged to have sexually assaulted the woman and she slept and raped her after she woke to find him "wrapped around" her.

Under cross-examination from prosecutor Nicholas Askins, he was accused of "inventing a fairly complicated story", but maintained he was now telling the truth.

His commanding officer in The Rifles gave a character reference as the evidence drew to a close.

He was described as "well-liked, reliable and trustworthy" and said he had shown "positive resilience" since the allegations were made.

His commanding officer said Mr Bell had been nominated for promotion around the same time. but failed on medical grounds.

Mr Bell, of Beechwood Grove, Colburn, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, denies rape and assault by penetration.

Trial continues.