The Emmerdale actor charged with rape in Barbados, Ben Freeman has asked the soaps producers for a leave of absence while he fights the charges against him.
Freeman, who plays Scott Windsor in the Yorkshire soap was staying at the Almond Beach Village late last month Hotel when the alleged incident occurred. After being charged with the rape of a 16 year old British girl Freeman surrended his passport and was ordered to stay on the island.
After appearing in court in Bridgetown last week Freeman was told he could return to the UK on a �25,000 bail but must return to Barbados for a hearing on March 15.
The alleged incident occurred on November 29 at the Almond Beach Village Resort; a fellow holiday maker saw Freeman and a young girl having sex on a sun lounger last Wednesday; he claims that the young girl appeared drunk and was left on the lounger by Freeman before returning to her room.
It is believed that the girl�s parents contacted authorities on the island after she claimed to have been raped. After reporting the alleged incident to police the unnamed teenager was allowed to return home with her parents.
A spokesperson for Emmerdale said yesterday: �Ben Freeman asked for leave of absence to enable him to fight legal proceedings.
�At Ben�s request, he will stand down from all other engagements including Soapstar Superstar (an ITV talent show).�
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