John Heald trial hears rape claims

THE trial of alleged murderer John Heald (pictured) has heard how he attacked a woman at knifepoint and repeatedly raped and beat her.

The hearing at Hull Crown Court was this afternoon shown a video of an interview the alleged rape victim gave to police last year.

The woman said Heald held her at knifepoint in her own home and attacked her.

Heald, wearing jeans and a black shirt, often shook his head when sat in the doc hearing the woman’s allegations.

Heald has pleaded not guilty to all charges, but has admitted killing landlady Bei Carter.

The 53-year-old, of Foljambe Road, Dalton, claims Mrs Carter’s death was an accident.

He is charged with one count of murder and three counts of rape on July 13, 2014, against a woman  from the Sheffield area, who was known to him.

Heald was arrested on July 25 in Parkgate after a five day manhunt.

Mr Reeds said Mrs Carter had been upstairs making curtains in the guesthouse when Healed allegedly attacked her.

Her husband was downstairs dealing with online bookings, the court heard.

Mr Reeds said Heald went on the run after the alleged July 13 rape allegations.

The court heard the alleged sex attack victim told police Heald had attacked her when drunk and subjected her to an attack lasting several hours, during which he gagged her and raped her at knifepoint.

The trial continues.