Ghana-born Kofi Prempeh, 27 - nicknamed ‘Africa’ - ignored the girl’s pleas to stop and attempts to push him off, Croydon Crown Court was told.
Prempeh, of Wide Way, Mitcham has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape in the park near Leighton Street, West Croydon on August 4, 2018.
Prosecutor Nicola Merrick told the jury the girl, who had only turned twelve years-old the previous month, attended the party alone, with her family believing she would be safe amongst fellow-churchgoers they knew.
“That evening there was a birthday party and the congregation attended and the girl’s mother thought members of the church would keep an eye on her daughter.”
At 9pm the girl decided to start the short walk home.
“She was outside the church when the defendant came out and spoke to her while holding a bottle of beer, which she thought was Guinness.
“She believes he tried to persuade her not to go home and as she walked through the park he was beside her.
“Mr Prempeh pushed her down into some bushes and pulled up her dress and touched her breasts and pulled her knickers down.
“She as shouting at him to leave her alone,” explained the prosecutor. “She was upset and tried to push him off.
“She was saying: ‘Stop, stop. There are people that can see you,’ but that did not seem to put him off.
“She was crying and he could see she was upset and told her to stop. She could not stop herself and he shouted: ‘No more crying.’
“The complainant phoned her mother and told her she as okay and the defendant was allowed at the family home that night.
“He kept telling the girl she was not to tell anyone what he had done to her and that it would be bad for her.
“The defendant told her: ‘If I find out you’ve said anything to anyone there will be trouble.’
“The girl confided in her cousin and three months later told her family what had happened.”
Prempeh was arrested and answered all questions “no comment” when interviewed.
Trial continues………………
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