A policeman accused of raping a Redbridge schoolgirl said the pair were “just going to talk” and that he had “no other intentions” when he drove her to his house, a court heard.

Jurors at Snaresbrook Crown Court today heard Pc John Wigglesworth, 46, of The Ridgeway, Harold Wood, who was arrested at his home in August, last year, give the last part of his evidence.

His alleged victim – now 22 – claims Mr Wigglesworth, who worked in Tower Hamlets, contacted her through website Netlog in 2007, when she was 14.

It is claimed he would pick her up after school at least once a week over a two-year period, take her to his home in Lynnett Road, Dagenham and rape her.

The alleged incidents between 2007 and 2009 were reported to police in 2013.

“You thought it would be alright to take this 14-year-old girl back to your home?,” asked Sally Fudge, prosecuting.

Mr Wigglesworth, a police officer of 18 years, replied: “She was happy to go back with me, I didn’t see a problem.”

“So it was just going to be the two of you? You didn’t you see a possible problem?” asked Ms Fudge.

“No,” replied Mr Wigglesworth. “We were just going to talk – no other intentions.”

Mr Wigglesworth claims the pair “just kissed and cuddled” on their first encounter and had consensual sex once on their second meeting.

He also admitted not using protection during intercourse following questioning by judge David Radford.

Jurors later heard evidence from the friends of Mr Wigglesworth who called him “caring” and “never aggressive”.

His fiancé, who also gave evidence, said: “He [Mr Wigglesworth] was fun to be around and wanted to help anyone who was in trouble.”

Speaking about his sexual behaviour, she said: “He’s very loving and sensual.

“He likes to take his time and make sure we’re both enjoying the experience.”

Ms Fudge told the jury that the alleged victim had been consistent throughout her cross-examination and called on them to return a guilty verdict.

“She made it clear she wasn’t interested, she told him she didn’t want to have sex, she tried fighting him off, she was crying,” added Ms Fudge.

“His lack of care is shown by him not even using a condom.”

Lisa Williamson, defending, told the jury the claimant “could have stopped answering her phone”.

“She could have refused to get in his car,” she added.

“She was rude and outspoken at school, she could have told him to ‘get lost’.”

Ms Williamson went on to say that Mr Wigglesworth admitting to having consensual sex with the girl did not make him guilty of the other charges and urged the jury to return a not guilty verdict.

Yesterday he pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in sexual activity with a child. He is accused of two further counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and three counts of rape.

Mr Wigglesworth denies the remaining charges.

The trial continues.