A TEENAGER has denied raping a 16-year-old girl while drunk at her home.

Southend Magistrates’ Court held a special youth court session today to hear the allegations against the 17-year-old boy, who lives in Southend.

The youngster, dressed in a blue suit and tie, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

He was supported by members of his family in the public gallery.

Cyrus Shroff, prosecuting, told the court the serious allegation was made following an incident in Shoebury on December 3 last year, when both parties were 16 -years-old.

He said: “He is alleged to have pushed her onto the bed and forced himself on her.”

The 17-year-old defendant cannot be named for legal reasons.

He denies rape and says the pair did not have sex, although he claims she consented to other sexual activity.

District Judge John Woollard said despite the serious nature of the allegation the case would be suitable for a trial at the youth court and did not need to go to the crown court.

It means the trial will go ahead without a jury, but in a specially convened court that is supposed to be less threatening for juveniles.

He said: “Bearing in mind recent guidance from the Lord Chief Justice and cases that have gone before the High Court, I understand it is a matter I can maintain jurisdiction over.

“This is a case, that in my view, is capable of a sentence longer than two years, but that is by no means a foregone conclusion.

“This is a case that is very much going to revolve around the issue of consent.”

The accused was released on bail, with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victim.

Addressing the defendant, Mr Woollard warned him that this included the use of social media.

He said: “You have got hard work to do.

“You have got two months to prepare for the hearing.

“You have got to play your part- keep appointments with your counsel and if they need any information make it your top priority.

“The bail conditions apply just as much to the internet and things like Facebook.

“You must be very careful about how you use it in case anything you do may be seen as trying to contact the witness.”

The next hearing is expected to take place at Basildon Youth Court on January 4.