Actor John Jarratt says he was seduced by rape accuser
Australian actor John Jarratt has told a jury he was seduced by the woman who has now accused him of raping her more than 40 years ago.
Giving evidence in Sydney's District Court, Jarratt told the court he had been out with the director of Summer City after he landed the lead role in the film.
"Had you been drinking?" his barrister Greg James QC asked.
"No," he replied.
"Why not?"
Australian actor John Jarratt has told a jury he was seduced by the woman who has now accused him of raping her more than 40 years ago. AAP
"Because I never drink and drive."
He said he was heading towards the bedroom he shared with his wife in his Randwick home when he heard a loud whisper and saw the woman beckon him in.
"She said it must be exciting making movies. I agreed it was."
He claimed she told him she had recognised him from Picnic at Hanging Rock when they first met and found him "attractive."
"I feel there was a seduction and I unfortunately participated in that and I willingly had sex with her and she willingly had sex with me," he said.
Rosa Miano (centre), wife of John Jarratt, arrives at the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney. AAP
The woman told the court earlier this week Jarratt stunk of alcohol on the morning he pinned her down, held his hand over her mouth and raped her.
She said she didn't go to police at the time because she didn't think they would believe her.
Crown Prosecutor John Bowers accused Jarratt of changing his story and making up the allegation the woman had seduced him.
He denied that and repeated questions about the intricate details of the rape which was alleged by the woman.
"I didn't rape her so what you are describing to me is fantasy," Jarratt told the court.
"I put it to you that it's not a fantasy, and this is what happened," Mr Bowers responded.
Jarratt denied it again.
He also denied he was drunk that night.
The trial continues.
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