ONE of the world’s top speedway riders has taken to the stand to defend himself against allegations of sexual assault.

Twice world under-21 champion and Poole Pirates star Darcy Ward is one of two defendants accused of assaulting a teenage girl in a hotel room after a speedway meeting last summer.

The jury has been told they and a third man were involved in sexual activity with the girl in the room where she was staying with a friend at the Premier Inn in Holes Bay Road on August 17.

But the 20-year-old told Bournemouth Crown Court: “There was a bit of mucking around going on.

“I feel by her actions and the way she was comfortable with all of us there she wanted some sexual action. She was enjoying it.”

And when asked by defending barrister Stewart Jones QC: “Can you remember her either saying or doing anything that gave you the idea that she was unwilling to go along with what was going on?” Ward replied: “No, not at all. She was happy.”

The court was told Ward is well known in speedway and that it is not unusual for top riders to be invited to meet up with female admirers after speedway meetings.

He rides for three top clubs and was recently invited to compete in a Grand Prix event involving the top 15 riders in the world.

And Ward said he believed the girl, who had travelled to Poole from the Midlands with a friend, was agreeing to take part in sexual activity with all three males.

Ward, of Poole Road, Sturminster Marshall, is accused of sexual assault.

A 17-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces three charges of sexual assault and one of rape.

All the charges are denied.

The alleged assaults were filmed on a mobile phone belonging to the younger defendant and members of the jury have been shown the footage. The trial continues.