iStockA US Navy sailor has been cleared of raping a woman that he met on Tinder.
Christian Patten, 22, was alleged to have attacked the 27-year-old at her flat in Glasgow city centre on January 13, 2020.
Court papers stated Patten kissed the woman on the mouth while she was under the influence of alcohol and incapable of giving or withholding consent.
Patten was said to have ripped and removed her clothing, carried her, bit her as well as pushed her on the body.
It was then stated that Patten raped her to her injury.
Patten denied the single charge at a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
He had lodged a special defence of consent.
US citizen Patten had been in Glasgow as his submarine, the USS Colorado, had been berthed in a Clydeside naval base.
The pair met for dinner and later drinks after matching on dating app Tinder.
The woman claimed she was raped by Patten after he walked her home.
Patten meantime stated that the sex was consensual.
On Monday, the jury returned a not proven verdict.
Judge Lord Braid told Patten: “This is a verdict of acquittal. You are free to go.”
Patten replied: “Thank you.”
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