of his wife, took the stand in his own defence yesterday telling a story of seduction and betrayal.

The man, who is accused of assaulting his then wife and forcing her to have sex, told the nine-woman three-man jury how his five year marriage fell apart after he began to suspect his wife was having an affair.

The charges stem from an incident alleged to have taken place at their home on May 29th 1995.

The accused, who is defended by Mr. Juan Wolfe, described acrimonious conversations with his 40-year old mate and told of their plans to split.

According to the man, while they were discussing the break up, his wife threatened to "get him.'' The next day, while having a more calm discussion concerning their relationship, the accused said his wife "came on'' to him.

He gave the court a graphic description of what followed -- a sexual encounter which he says was instigated by her.

Following their love making, according to testimony, the couple talked about the affair he believed his wife was having at the time.

A fight ensued in which the woman attacked the defendant. In an effort to defend himself he grabbed the woman by the arms and threw her on the bed.

After the fight he left the house, returning minutes later to get his keys.

The defendant said he had to get back into the house via a window because he was locked out. It was while getting the keys, he claimed, he was again set on by his wife who attacked him with a radio assette player. The defendant said he then left the house, calling a neighbour later in the day to find out where his wife was. His neighbour told him the Police were looking for him, so he went to St. George's Police Station, presented himself to an officer on duty and was subsequently arrested. The case continues before Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux today.