A trans woman accused of sexual assault allegedly concealed her gender identity from a man she met on Snapchat, a court has heard.
Ciara Watkin, 21, of Thornaby, Teesside, is standing trial charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration. She denies all charges.
Jury hears of Snapchat exchanges
Prosecutor Paul Reid told jurors that Watkin and the complainant exchanged messages on Snapchat before spending a night together.
The court heard that Watkin performed sexual acts on the man but refused to let him touch her, telling him she was on her period.
Following the encounter, Watkin allegedly messaged the man to admit she had a “massive secret.” Believing she might be pregnant, he asked what she meant.
Watkin then revealed: “I’m trans. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
The man replied: “WTF. So you have a d**? OMFG. I feel ill,”* before reporting her to the police, the jury was told.
“Would not have consented”
Mr Reid told the court:
“The defendant had concealed from the man that she had a penis, during their brief relationship. The man told the police that if he had known Watkin was transgender, he would not have consented. He said: ‘I don’t swing that way’.”
The court also heard Watkin’s Snapchat profile displayed a female cartoon avatar and that no discussions about gender or sexuality had taken place.
Police interview
When later arrested, Watkin allegedly told officers:
“Me and him had sex without me telling him I was a boy. When I let him know I was a different gender, he didn’t like it.”
She is said to have admitted that sexual activity took place but denies any wrongdoing.
Trial continues
The trial remains ongoing.
