Not saying to sweep the dirt under the rug, but how exactly is this "Gay" news? This is criminal news.

'His victim, who is gay, had fallen asleep fully clothed in a bed but later woke up naked with Barrett touching him.'

Why did the BBC feel it necessary to disclose the sexuality of the victim? Does the fact that the victim is gay make it somehow "better" than if the victim had been straight?

Rape is rape. It's wrong under any circumstances.

You can't rape the willing.

#2 Jack – since you're cherrypicking info, Explain this:

"But DNA analysis proved there was sexual contact between the two men."

(for the record, I agree that rape is wrong no matter what, but I think the "sexual contact" between the two men explains why they referenced the victim's orientation. Might it also explain how they were in the same house together? Possibly it was consensual and the victim changed his mind?)

also, I queried BBC news as to exactly what does DNA evidence mean, and why the orientation is relevant. Will report back if they answer.

Queerty, if we didn't click on the link, we'd never know if the pictured was the victim or alleged perp. PLEASE be better with photos when you post them with stories with more than one person

Yes we do Edgyguy. Pause your cursor on the photo and 90% plus of the time the name appears.

Also, the fact that the victim wasn't named one could almost guarantee the photo would be of the criminal.

@Jaroslaw: Well you've certainly taken charge of this issue! Working PR for the rapist?

Ah rape. Nasty crime. All victims of it should receive large amounts of money from their governments. They've earned it.

And there are so many seeking to be raped on CL. Pathetic messes.

Not always fun being raped. It does happen My first gay sex was being pulled off the street into a biuilding and raped a gunpoint. It was in Texas and I didn't feel especially welcome anyway. The man was nothing short of ugly and very strong as well. I'm stronger than average, even though I was a teenager but there is only so much resistance you dare to put against a gun.
I've often wondered why it doesn't happen, or isn't reported more often.

Is it possible that the evening began with a minimum level of consensual activities, but when the one guy fell asleep, the other one tried to do more, which would have been non-consensual? And depending how aggressive the perpetrator was, I might have considered running, too.

#8 Jack – nothing like you NOT answering the questions and putting out bait & switch comments in return!

Nothing I've said defends the rapist.

@Jaroslaw: Thanks, Jaroslaw, never thought of doing that. J.T.

The alleged rape couldn't be proved. Which is why it wasn't tried as a rape case.

The so called victim actually bragged about going to court about this and was seen drinking champagne and laughing about the fact he tried to ruin a life.

There are always two sides to ever story.

Re #5 BBC never replied