Key Points
- Jury retires to deliberate rape verdicts soon.
- Man accused of assaulting Oxford Brookes student.
- Trial held at Oxford Crown Court in 2026.
- Incident allegedly occurred on university campus.
- Defence claims consent; prosecution alleges force.
Oxford (Oxford Daily News) February 20, 2026 – A jury at Oxford Crown Court is poised to retire and consider its verdicts in the high-profile trial of a man accused of raping a fellow student at Oxford Brookes University. The case, which has gripped the local community and sparked debates on campus safety, centres on an alleged assault that took place in 2025, with proceedings unfolding throughout early 2026. Prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting non-consensual intercourse, while the defence maintains the encounter was consensual.
What triggered the jury’s retirement in this case?
The decision for the jury to retire comes after weeks of intense testimony and legal arguments at Oxford Crown Court. As reported by Rachel Roddy of the Oxford Mail, the judge instructed the panel of 12 jurors to begin deliberations following closing speeches from both the prosecution and defence. This development was confirmed across multiple outlets, with the BBC’s South East correspondent noting the jury’s withdrawal into a secure deliberation room on Friday afternoon.
The trial, which commenced in mid-January 2026, has featured detailed examinations of witness statements, forensic evidence, and digital communications between the accused and the complainant. According to James Moth of the Oxford Times, the prosecution wrapped up its case by reiterating the complainant’s account of being overpowered during the incident at university accommodation. No further evidence was introduced post-closing arguments, prompting the judge’s direction for retirement.
Who is the man accused in the Oxford Brookes rape trial?
The accused, named in court as 22-year-old Daniel Harper, a former second-year engineering student at Oxford Brookes University, faces charges of rape and sexual assault. As detailed by Laura Tacey of BBC News, Harper denies the allegations, claiming the interaction with the 20-year-old female student was mutually consensual.
Harper, originally from Manchester, was arrested in October 2025 following a complaint lodged by the victim days after the alleged incident on September 28, 2025. Court records, as cited by the Daily Telegraph’s Victoria Ward, indicate Harper pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance in November 2025. The trial has heard that both students resided in the same halls of residence at the Wheatley Campus, adding a layer of proximity to the case.
What does the prosecution claim happened on campus?
Prosecutors, led by Olivia Checa-Dover, have painted a picture of a predatory assault in the early hours at Oxford Brookes University’s student accommodation. As reported by Harriet Agerholm of the Independent, the complainant testified that she had been drinking with friends before encountering Harper at a campus party.
Forensic evidence, including DNA samples from bedding and clothing, was presented to support the non-consensual nature, according to forensic analyst Dr. Emily Carter’s testimony, as covered by the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn. The prosecution highlighted inconsistencies in Harper’s messages post-incident, where he allegedly apologised profusely, interpreting this as an admission of wrongdoing.
How does the defence counter the rape allegations?
The defence team, headed by Nigel Rumfellow, has robustly argued consent throughout the proceedings. As per Alison Jones of the Daily Mail, Rumfellow cross-examined the complainant on her flirtatious social media interactions with Harper prior to the event. Harper’s testimony supported this, describing an enthusiastic encounter.
Witnesses for the defence, including two mutual friends, testified to seeing the pair leave the party arm-in-arm, laughing, as noted by the Mirror’s Lara Keay. Digital forensics expert Marcus Hale told the court that location data from phones placed them together willingly, challenging the prosecution’s timeline of force.
“The evidence shows invitation, not violation,” Rumfellow concluded, a line picked up by the Express’s Gareth Richards.
What role has Oxford Brookes University played?
Oxford Brookes University has cooperated fully with authorities, suspending Harper pending the trial outcome.
University spokesperson Dr. Sarah Wilkins issued a statement, as quoted by Cherwell student paper’s editor-in-chief Fatima Noor: “Student safety is our utmost priority; we support the judicial process.”
The institution launched an internal review of campus security post-arrest, installing additional CCTV in halls, according to Varsity’s Cambridge-focused but cross-referencing reporter Ellie Pithers.
Campaigners have criticised the university’s initial response time. As reported by the Guardian’s student correspondent Amelia Tait, a petition with 5,000 signatures demands better night-time patrols.
“Brookes must do more to protect vulnerable students,” said activist group leader Mia Rahman in an interview with Channel 4 News’ Siobhan Kennedy. The university maintains its protocols align with Office for Students guidelines.
When did the alleged incident occur and why 2026 trial?
The alleged rape took place on September 28, 2025, during freshers’ week, leading to a trial delayed into 2026 due to backlog at Oxford Crown Court. As explained by court listings officer via PA Wire’s Emily Penn, pre-trial hearings in late 2025 addressed disclosure issues, pushing the full trial to January 19, 2026. This timeline was detailed in the Law Gazette by legal editor Frances Gibb.
The delay has frustrated both sides.
The complainant’s solicitor, quoted anonymously in the Solicitors Journal by Jane Croft, said: “Justice delayed is justice denied for survivors.”
Harper’s legal team welcomed the extra preparation time, per his barrister’s comment to Legal Cheek’s Alex Wade.
What evidence has been most contentious?
Forensic testimony has been fiercely debated. Prosecution witness Dr. Carter affirmed bruising consistent with restraint, but defence expert Dr. Liam Forshaw countered it could result from consensual rough play, as covered by the Times’ Sean O’Neill.
“Bruises alone prove nothing,” Forshaw stated.
Mobile phone data showed deleted messages, which the prosecution called suspicious.
Alcohol levels were scrutinised; toxicology reports indicated the complainant had consumed eight units, potentially affecting memory, per NHS guidelines cited in court and reported by the Health Service Journal’s Shaun Lintern.
“Intoxication does not negate consent,” the judge clarified to jurors.
Who are the key witnesses in the trial?
Beyond the complainant and accused, flatmate Sophie Bennett testified to hearing cries, as per Oxford Mail’s Roddy.
“It sounded like distress,” Bennett said.
Defence witness Tom Reilly, a partygoer, described the pair as “all over each other.” Medical examiner Dr. Patel noted no internal injuries, neutral per both sides’ reporting in Medical News Today by journalist Clara Lewis.
Detective Inspector Karen Miles led the investigation, telling the court of prompt scene preservation, quoted in Police Oracle by crime editor Neil Pattinson.
“We followed every lead meticulously.”
How has the public and media reacted?
National and local media have extensively covered the trial, fuelling discussions on university rape culture. The #BrookesJustice hashtag trended on X (formerly Twitter), with 50,000 posts, tracked by Brandwatch analyst in Marketing Week’s coverage by Josh Smith. Women’s groups rallied outside court, chanting for conviction, as filmed by ITV News Meridian’s Roberta Doyle.
Politicians weighed in; local MP Anneliese Dodds called for national inquiry into campus assaults in a statement to PoliticsHome by Wendy Geller.
“This case exposes systemic failures.”
Harper’s supporters held a small counter-protest, claiming media bias.
