A CHAMPIONSHIP footballer accused of raping a woman told a court that he had refused sex with her.
Sunderland winger Jack Diamond, 23, told a jury that his alleged victim was in a “huff” when he told her to stop after she “got on top of me”.
He explained that he did so because he feared things were “getting a bit too serious”.
Diamond, who had previously been in a long relationship, said he kissed her later to “comfort” her and she told him, ‘I think the moment has gone’ and left.
The footballer, who met the girl on dating site Tinder, is alleged to have attacked her at the home he shared with team-mate Anthony Patterson.
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He said he did feel regretful about his "immaturity" towards relationships at the time.
Diamond, of Washington, Tyne & Wear, denies rape and assault by penetration at Newcastle crown court.
The trial continues.