A MAN accused of perverting the course of justice following sex assault allegations spoke to police about his “strained” relationship with his co-defendant, a jury heard.

Evidence continued yesterday in the case of a woman who claims she was sexually abused by two men after she woke up in a house in Cowley Road, Oxford, on December 17, 2011.

Bilal Ahmed, 27, from Maidenhead, and 26-year-old Mustafa Ahmed, from London, are on trial at Oxford Crown Court, accused of sexual assault.

Bilal’s cousin Zeeshan Ahmed, of Palmer Road, Wood Farm, Oxford, has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

Yesterday, Dc Steve Martin gave evidence to the jury that Zeeshan was interviewed as a witness following the sex assault allegations.

Abigale Husbands, prosecuting, said to him: “Is it right that Zeesham Ahmed spoke to you and told you that relations between him and Bilal Ahmed were strained because of Bilal’s behaviour?”

Dc Martin replied: “Yes he did.”

The barrister added: “Did you understand that this was to do with the investigation into [the complainant in this case] and what had taken place (at the address)?”

He told her: “I didn’t know if it was that specific.”

All three defendants deny the charges.

The case continues.