A Bristol grime artist has denied charges of rape, assault and false imprisonment.
Andy Anokye, 31, who performs under the name Solo 45, appeared at Bristol crown court on Monday to deny 31 charges.
The charges, relating to four alleged victims, include 22 counts of rape, five counts of false imprisonment and four of assault. A jury panel of 16 was selected and this will be reduced to 12 as the trial proceeds.
The judge, William Hart, told the panel: “The defendant is called Andy Anokye. He is a grime artist, a musician. He is known professionally as Solo 45. He is a member of a grime collective called Boy Better Know.”
The trial is due to open on Friday and will last between five and six weeks.
Hart told the panel: “During the course of the trial you will be played video footage of graphic sexual acts between the defendant and a number of complainants.
“The sexual acts depicted are of course deeply personal and intimate for those involved. The prosecution allege that it captures the defendant physically assaulting two of the complainants and committing acts of rape. The defence say that the acts shown on that footage are consensual and as part of role-play.”
The case continues.
