A secretary for a North East football team has described a player, who accused of rape, as a "great person" and a "cheeky chappy". Harry Butters is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in his car after meeting her on a night out and offering her a lift home.

Butters, who plays for Darlington FC under 23s, is currently standing trial at Teesside Crown Court charged with rape, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, assault by penetration and sexual assault. The 24-year-old denies the charges.

On Friday, the jury heard a character reference from Theresa Mason, the Darlington FC under 23s secretary. Ms Mason described the defendant as someone who is integral to the football team and that "respect" is important in the squad.

She told jurors: "He is an integral

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