A Melbourne man has gone on trial accused of raping a sex worker in Canberra's inner north more than four years ago.
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But the ACT Supreme Court has heard Robert Dick, also known to his alleged victim as "Uncle" or "Bobo", was suffering from erectile dysfunction at the time.
And his barrister Ray Livingston says his 57-year-old client will argue any sexual interaction with the complainant was consensual.
The prosecution, however, says Dick had sexual intercourse with the Thai prostitute against her will twice and committed an act of indecency on her.
The Crown has alleged the three incidents occurred at a Braddon flat being operated as a brothel in mid-2007.
In opening submissions from both parties earlier today the jury was told Dick was a friend of the brothel operator.
The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is set to call evidence suggesting the operator arranged for the alleged victim to come out to Australia and work in the sex industry.
In opening her case today prosecutor Kylie Weston-Scheuber said the court would hear evidence the brothel operator arranged accommodation for the complainant, taking her earnings to pay off a debt and cover her rent.
The trial continues this afternoon.
