Suffolk man charged with Ipswich rape and dangerous driving

Francois Havenga sent a text message apologising and saying he would “keep driving until the road ends”, Ipswich Crown Court was told on Monday.

Police were alerted and officers attempted to stop Havenga on the A140, but he sped off and allegedly drove dangerously on the A140 and in Ipswich before getting out of his car and fleeing on foot, said prosecutor Jennifer Morris.

After his arrest, Havenga denied raping a student and also denied having any sexual interest in children.

Havenga, of no fixed address, denies two offences of rape of a child and one offence of dangerous driving of an Audi A3 on the A140 at Brockford and Spinner Close, Ipswich.

He declined to give evidence during the trial, which began last week and is expected to end later this week.