A WOMAN was raped after falling asleep at a house party following a night out at a club, a court heard yesterday.

The 20-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, woke to find George Abrue, 22, lying on top of her having sex.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the pair were part of a group of people who had gone back to a flat in Washington after meeting in Beach nightclub, in Sunderland.

The woman had gone upstairs with another man and both had fallen asleep on the bed, fully clothed, after having sex.

Julian Smith, prosecuting, told the court how she thought it was him lying on top of her when she woke a short while later, but then realised it was Mr Abrue because of his plaited hair.

Mr Smith said: "She was terrified of what was going on. She pulled on his hair - she tried to force this man off her but was unable to.

"She asked him to stop and told him to get off."

The court heard that Mr Abrue put his hand over her mouth to muffle further comments, before getting up and going back to the living room to join the rest of the group.

The woman reported the incident to police the following day and was examined by a doctor, who found both men's DNA on a swab taken from her.

Mr Abrue was arrested but denied having intercourse with her.

Mr Abrue, of Redlands, Penshaw, near Sunderland, denies rape.

The trial continues