A man accused of raping and assaulting a woman in Carlisle has told a jury he is not guilty.

John Thomas Jones, 30, is on trial accused of four charges. It is alleged he raped a woman on three separate occasions in November, 2015, and that he also assaulted her, causing actual bodily harm.

Jurors yesterday heard he had denied the allegations when interviewed by police. "Get a lie detector test, I will take it," he told an officer.

Jones also gave evidence in his defence from the crown court witness box.

"She says you raped her three times," said defence barrister David Callan. "Is there any truth in that?"

"No sir," replied Jones, of Cornwall Street, Birmingham.

He insisted the sexual activity, in each case, was consensual and denied carrying out any assault.

The trial continues.