Girl raped at end of uni: court

Heavy rain cut short the first day of trial proceedings against a Saudi Arabian student accused of rape as jurors were sent home early to brave the deluge.Salem Hamdan Al Makhalas, 28, was in the hands of the weather yesterday as Judge Andrew Haesler adjourned the hearing after receiving a message about road closures in southern Illawarra.The jury was released shortly after Crown Prosecutor Tim Macintosh and defence barrister Peter Bodor made their opening submissions, deferring the start of witness evidence.Makhalas pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, following allegations he raped a female friend after celebrations marking the end of his studies at the University of Wollongong. Mr Macintosh told the court Makhalas invited the 21-year-old victim, also an international student, and other friends to his Towradgi cabin for dinner on April 24 last year.After the meal, Makhalas suggested the group go to the Hotel Illawarra and offered to drive the victim to her West Wollongong home to pick up her ID, the court heard.Mr Macintosh claimed the pair retrieved the ID and continued driving when Makhalas allegedly made sexual advances towards the victim.The court heard Makhalas then drove to his home and allegedly insisted the victim come into the house.Mr Macintosh alleged Makhalas grabbed the victim in the doorway, pulled her towards his bedroom and pinned her down while trying to kiss her before allegedly raping her.The pair then left together and went to the Hotel Illawarra to meet up with friends.Mr Bodor told the jury there was no contest Makhalas and the victim had sex but said the issue was consent."We will hopefully be able to present a case of consensual sex that turned sour…," he said.