Antoni Imiela is being tried at Maidstone Crown Court

Christine Imiela told Maidstone Crown Court her husband worked irregular hours and was often away from home.

Antoni Imiela, 49, from Appledore, Kent, denies nine counts of rape in Surrey, west London, Kent and Hertfordshire during 2001 and 2002.

He also denies the kidnap, attempted rape and indecent assault of a 10-year-old girl in Birmingham.

Unexplained absence

Giving evidence, Mrs Imiela told how on two specific occasions her husband's absence had given her cause for concern.

She said on 7 August, 2002, when Mr Imiela is alleged to have raped a 26-year-old woman in Epsom, Surrey, her husband had returned from work three or four hours later than normal.

He had not offered any explanation for his absence, she said.

Mrs Imiela had also been unable to contact her husband on his mobile phone on 21 November, 2002, when he is accused of kidnapping and assaulting a 10-year-old girl in Birmingham.

"I tried (to call him) quite a lot. I tried once in the morning and I couldn't get through.

"Then I tried later after his boss called me and said he couldn't contact him either," she said.

Condoms in wallet

The railway worker eventually called back at 2230 GMT that night, saying he had been working for another firm in Oxford.

Mrs Imiela also recounted how she had found two condoms in her husband's wallet when she went to take out some money at a shop in Ashford.

The court heard how the couple had not used them since they met in 1996.

Mr Imiela had told her he used to blow them up with his workmates and let them out of the van windows "for a laugh".

It was also revealed that the couple had an "active sex life" and would often indulge in fantasy play.

The case continues.