Ex-Spandau Ballet singer accused of rape

A former singer for Spandau Ballet raped and sexually assaulted women because he believed he could get "sex on demand", a court has heard.

Ross Davidson, 37, who used Ross Wild as his stage name, was known for singing with the 80s band Spandau Ballet in 2018 as well as starring in the Queen-themed West End musical We Will Rock You.

He is on trial at Wood Green Crown Court accused of raping a woman and filming himself groping another.

Davidson, of Finchley, north London, pleaded not guilty to raping a woman in London during March 2015 and also denied attempted rape and sexual assault of another woman in Thailand in December 2019.

The jury was told that Davidson had pleaded guilty to a charge of voyeurism against the same woman in 2019.

Prosecutor Richard Hearnden described Davidson as a "bit of a sex symbol" but added: "There are two women who say that he has a much darker side."

Hearnden told the court: "Men such as the defendant, it is often supposed, can get any girl he wants without having to resort to committing sexual offences, without having to resort to forcing himself on women, without having to resort to rape.

"After all, he is attractive and possesses charisma and charm. Yet, the reality belies that supposition.

"It is because Ross Davidson expects to get sex on demand that he will resort to rape and sexual assault if he is not given what he thinks he deserves."

The woman who claims she was raped in London said she felt "scared, intimidated and helpless" during the attack, as "he was so much stronger than she was and felt concerned for her safety".

Defence counsel Charlotte Newell KC said: "He will say there was no sex at all with her in London as he was not sexually attracted to her – and that may be disappointing or upsetting – but in reality there was no spark for him."

The woman said a flashback led her to report the alleged rape.

Video evidence found on Davidson's phone showed the second complainant asleep "at least half-naked" in a hotel bedroom in Phuket, Thailand.

She did not know the video existed until being notified by police and said she did not consent to being intimately touched by the defendant.

The woman said she had "drunk sex" with Davidson, but did not consent the following day when he allegedly tried to rape her.

She told the jury she was "very afraid in this moment", and it felt like "a very dangerous situation to be in".

Davidson claimed the sexual touching was consensual and that she was just pretending to be asleep.

Newell added: "He understands that she would be upset when she found out he had videoed her."

The trial continues.

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