A PORTISHEAD father has gone on trial this week accused of sexually assaulting and raping his ex-wife.

The man, who the Times cannot name in order to protect the identity of his alleged victim, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Monday for the start of his trial.

The 54-year-old is charged with one count of rape and four counts of sexual assault spanning a period of eight years between 2004 and 2012.

On Monday, his ex-wife took to the witness stand to give her account of the alleged incidents, which according to her happened ‘several times’ while she was in the shower and also in their marital bed.

She told the jury: “He told me he owned me. He said he wanted to keep me and control me.

“I always told him no.

“I was controlled, bullied and my self-esteem was extremely low.

“That was the reality of my marriage.

“I don’t think he loved me when he raped me and came in the shower and forced himself on me.

“Once a person says no that is not consensual

“What else could I do but say no. I begged him.”

However, representing the defendant, Patrick Mason suggested to the alleged victim she had reported her ex-husband to the police because they had argued over financial issues.

Mr Mason also suggested she had made the allegations against his client as she was worried about the fact he had taken pictures of her walking her dog while she was also claiming incapacity benefits as a result of suffering spinal injuries.

Mr Mason said: “Did you think he might have been taking a picture of you walking your dog so you could have your benefits taken off you?

“I suggest it might be the case that you were worried about this and it was at that point that you went to the police with these allegations.”

She denied this, however, and said: “Why would he want to take a photo of me? What was he going to do with it?

“My mother said if I didn’t ring the police then she would.”

The defendant is due to give his evidence today (Wed), with the trial expected to conclude at the end of the week.