A court case in Swansea has captured significant attention as George Cleaton stands accused of raping a fellow student at Aberystwyth University. After a night out, Cleaton reportedly apologised to the alleged victim for “taking advantage” of him while drunk. However, Cleaton firmly denies the accusations, claiming that their encounter was consensual.
On one fateful night in 2023, Cleaton allegedly asked the other student if he wanted to engage in sexual activity, to which the answer was a firm “no”. Despite this, the complainant agreed to return to Cleaton’s flat for a “cuddle”. The prosecution argues that the victim awoke to find himself subjected to non-consensual sexual acts.
Cleaton’s defence maintains that both were under the influence of alcohol, and insists there was mutual consent. They emphasised Cleaton’s open approach about his intentions that evening, highlighting that his apology message doesn’t align with the actions of someone guilty of such a crime.
The jury is in a critical deliberation phase, considering whether Cleaton’s apology hints at guilt or if his narrative of consensual interaction stands. As the trial unfolds, the search for truth focuses on the conflicting accounts from that night in Aberystwyth. Stay tuned as we await the jury’s decision on this intense and emotional case.