Man found not guilty by jurors of rape on woman at Astoria nightclub Portsmouth

By Steve Deeks
Published 24th Oct 2022, 14:38 BST
Updated 24th Oct 2022, 15:11 BST
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A MAN has been acquitted of two counts of rape against a 20-year-old woman in a Portsmouth nightclub.

Ethan Barr, 24, from Kent, was charged following an incident in the early hours of May 2.

Police said in May a woman reported being sexually assaulted in The Astoria nightclub, on Guildhall Walk.

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Barr was found not guilty of both charges of rape following a 10-day trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Portsmouth Crown Court Picture: Chris MoorhousePortsmouth Crown Court Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Portsmouth Crown Court Picture: Chris Moorhouse
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A statement from Hampshire Constabulary said at the time: ‘The woman was in Astoria nightclub on Guildhall Walk when it was alleged she was attacked at some point between 2am and 3am.

‘She was helped by staff, the venue has assisted our investigation, and she is now being supported by specialist officers.’

Barr, of Mallings Drive, Bearsted, had remanded to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court in May before it was transferred to Portsmouth.

He left Portsmouth Crown Court a free man after jurors found him innocent.