A man accused of raping a pensioner in Chessington told police he could not believe he was being arrested for something "so stupid", a court has heard.

Robert Richards, 22, of Pear Tree Close, Chessington, is charged with rape, attempted rape, attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm to a woman in her 70s at a home in Chessington on October 23 last year.

At Kingston Crown Court today, detective inspector Rachel Fowley, who arrested Mr Richards, took to the witness stand to give evidence.

She told jurors Mr Richards had said: "I can't believe I'm being arrested for something so stupid."

Later, as he was being taken into custody, he spoke to officers about another woman in her 40s who was also at Kingston police station.

He allegedly said: "She's alright - the older the more experienced they are."

Det Insp Fowley also claimed Mr Richards later broke down in tears and said he had only been spotted outside the home because he had stopped to speak to an old lady with a dog.

Mr Richards, a father of one, denies all four charges.

The trial continues.