In a dramatic courtroom session at Huntingdon Crown Court, two men have vehemently denied charges of kidnapping and raping a woman following an incident outside a nightclub. The defense claims the encounter was consensual, while prosecutors argue that the defendants targeted intoxicated women. The case has garnered significant attention due to its controversial nature and conflicting testimonies.

Defendants' Version: Consent and Invitation

The defendants, Robert Balcan and Adrian Madarasz, presented their side of the story, asserting that the alleged victim and her friend initiated contact by signaling for a ride after leaving a nightclub. According to Balcan, the women flagged down his vehicle as he drove through Bedford with Madarasz. Both men maintained that any sexual activity that occurred was consensual.

Balcan detailed how he and Madarasz were searching for a pub when they encountered the women. He described the scene vividly, emphasizing that both women actively sought their attention by waving at them. The defendants further stated that the interactions were mutual and that there was no coercion or force involved. This testimony directly contradicts the prosecution's narrative, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle. The court heard that the pair had been attempting to find a place to drink before the encounter took place, adding context to their movements on the night in question.

Prosecution's Argument: Targeting Vulnerable Individuals

Prosecutor Laura Blackband painted a starkly different picture, portraying Balcan and Madarasz as opportunistic individuals who preyed on vulnerable women. She emphasized that the woman, whose identity is protected by law, was severely intoxicated during the incident. The prosecution contended that the woman was attacked in a layby after accepting a ride from the defendants, who then abandoned her in distress.

Blackband described the defendants as a "double act" who deliberately sought out intoxicated women to exploit. Jurors learned that the woman sought help from a nearby residence following the alleged assault, which turned out to be the home of an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer. Forensic evidence revealed that the woman's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit for driving, underscoring her vulnerability at the time. The trial remains ongoing, with both sides presenting compelling yet opposing narratives that will likely influence the jury's final decision.