Ben Freeman appears in Barbados court

Tuesday 20th March 2007

Emmerdale actor Ben Freeman has appeared in a Barbados court to deny the rape charges he is facing.

The actor, who plays Scott Windsor, is accused of raping a Cheshire schoolgirl on a sun lounger at the Almond Beach Resort last November.

Magistrates have heard how a hotel security guard witnessed the girl's mother hitting her on the head before her father emerged and accused Freeman of rape.

The Caribbean court is currently deciding whether to send the case for trial at a higher court, or to dismiss the charges altogether.

The Emmerdale star admits having sex with the girl but maintains that she willingly consented.