Rape Accused Had Fight With Man in Alley, Court Told in Leeds

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A man on trial for alleged rape was involved in a physical altercation with another individual in an alleyway shortly before his arrest, a court has heard as part of evidence presented during the prosecution case. The incident — which defence lawyers say arose from a separate dispute — was cited by police as a key factor leading to the suspect’s detention.

Prosecutors told Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday that the defendant, 30-year-old Daniel Brown of Beeston, had been confronted by a man in an alley near Otley Road in Leeds on the evening of 9 January. According to witness testimony read to the court, both men were seen arguing before a brief scuffle broke out, drawing the attention of nearby residents and passers-by. Police who arrived at the scene later identified Brown — already the subject of an earlier investigation — and took him into custody.

Officers subsequently informed Brown that he was being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault, matters unrelated to the alleyway altercation, the court was told. Prosecutors allege the alleged sexual offences occurred in a suburban property on 8 January, when the complainant, a woman in her early twenties, reported she had been attacked following a social engagement. Brown has emphatically denied the sexual offence charges.

As part of cross-examination, defence counsel Fiona Sharpe described the alleyway incident as a separate dispute involving an attempted theft and personal insult, and not indicative of violent tendencies related to the alleged rape. She said Brown had been “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and that the fracas involved only “minor pushing and shoving”.

Witnesses called by the prosecution have described a louder altercation, with one neighbour saying they heard raised voices and the sound of blows before police arrived. CCTV footage from nearby properties reportedly shows the men engaged in a brief exchange, though the quality of the footage does not clearly identify the participants or the precise cause of the conflict.

The judge overseeing proceedings has cautioned jurors not to conflate the alley fight with the central issues of the rape allegation, indicating that the scuffle should be treated as a separate matter of fact unless the prosecution can show a direct connection relevant to the charges before the court.

The trial continues, with further testimony expected from the alleged victim later in the week. Brown remains on conditional bail.

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