Bethlehem police officer Ryan Van Amburgh and the alleged victim’s sister made statements today in the rape trial of former River Rats player RobertBobby Hughes
Hughes was said to have had sexual contact with a then-39-year-old alleged victim in October, 2008. Defense is arguing consensual sex, while prosecutors are alleging rape.
Hughes met the woman at My Place, a sports bar and restaurant on Delaware Avenue in Delmar, on the evening of October 18, 2008.
Hughes faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Van Amburgh, who responded to the call made by the alleged victim the night of the incident, said she was `visibly upset, emotionally upset and intoxicated.`
`She just wanted a cab. She wanted to go home,` Van Amburgh said.
He said the victim was acting belligerent, and if she did not stop swearing police could have arrested her on disorderly conduct charges.
The victim’s sister, who testified she was passed information from Bethlehem officer Chris Hughes, no relation to Bobby, said Detective Charles Radliff’s handling of the case was unsatisfactory.
`We didn’t feel we were given the customer service we deserved,` the sister said of the Bethlehem Police Department.
My Place bartender and bar-back Trevor Cox and Kari Steele also testified.
Cox said the pair did not appear to be intoxicated, and Steele said the alleged Victim bought Bobby Hughes a drink and appeared to be `flirting.`
It’s a bar, everyone flirts,` Steele said.
Check back to spotlightnews.com for updates on the trial.
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