Lawrence Jones Trial: Woman Testifies Feeling Helpless After Alleged Assault

A trial at Manchester Crown Court sees a woman testify against UKFast founder Lawrence Jones, detailing an alleged assault in 1993.
Posted on Nov 10, 2023
Manchester
Lawrence Jones Trial: Woman Testifies Feeling Helpless After Alleged Assault

A woman has testified at the trial of UKFast founder Lawrence Jones, recounting an alleged incident in which she was drugged and raped. Referred to as Woman B in court, she described the feeling of being "helpless" and "really out of it."

The alleged incidents took place in 1993 at Jones' flat in Salford. During the fourth day of the trial at Manchester Crown Court, jurors were shown Woman B's police interview.

Woman B recalled no clear memory of events immediately after the alleged assault and shared that there was a noticeable change in Mr Jones' behavior towards her. She mentioned never socializing with him and feeling unwelcome after the incident.

The recollection involved Mr Jones allegedly giving her something to sniff, which left her feeling heavy and incapacitated. She described the assault as surreal, feeling partially conscious yet unable to react.

Manchester Crown Court
Manchester Crown Court (Image: M.E.N.)

Defending lawyer Eleanor Laws KC cross-examined Woman B, suggesting a consensual relationship, which she strongly denied. Woman B became emotional, describing Mr Jones' behavior as cruel after the incident.

The trial continues at Manchester Crown Court, where Mr Jones faces two counts of rape, charges he denies.