A RETIRED chief superintendent who grew up in an orphanage fought back tears as he recalled being told he would never be a senior officer.
Colin Andrews, 58, was called into the witness box yesterday on the 18th day of his trial for rape, stalking and other offences.
Tania Griffiths QC, defending, began by asking if he was guilty of rape, which allegedly took place at a Humberside Police Christmas party in December 2003.
"Absolutely not guilty," Mr Andrews replied. Asked about the other six offences he is accused of, he said: "I'm not guilty of any offences."
The court heard Mr Andrews' mother was suffering from cancer when he was born and died three or four years later.
His father was elderly and placed him in an orphanage, where he stayed until joining the force as a teenage cadet.
The court heard Mr Andrews had been sent on a course because he was considered too "rough" to be a superintendent.
He briefly broke down when a note was passed to the judge from a juror asking how he had reacted to being told he would "never be a senior officer".
Mr Andrews said: "I guess I just felt rejected, was unwanted really."
The court heard he overcame his doubters in a 36-year career during which he received more commendations than any other officer in the force.
But Mr Andrews admitted he had never overcome his childhood vulnerability.
He said: "I'm a very confident, experienced officer and at work it's like going on stage – it clicks and I can do anything.
"Away from work I'm vulnerable; it's why I'm fairly demanding, selfish, sometimes a child.
"In many ways I can act child-like."
Mr Andrews retired in January, 2012, but quickly rejoined the force as business manager of the criminal justice unit, a civilian role from which he is currently suspended.
The court also heard from former assistant chief constable Stuart Donald, who retired last week.
Mr Donald, who also had a distinguished career and was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for outstanding service, had been a friend of Mr Andrews for almost 25 years.
The pair had similar interests, running, cycling and socialising together.
Mr Donald was asked about his name being used in an allegedly threatening text message sent by Mr Andrews to Detective Inspector Joanne Roe, who had complained about being "bombarded" with unwanted texts and calls from him.
The text, which was sent at 10.17pm on July 19, 2013, read: "So you're complaining about me, fair enough.
"I've told Darren what you are saying about him and a young policewoman ... Let's have an investigation if you dare. Julie and Dawn both think you're mad."
The text featured an angry face icon and was signed "From Stu and Col".
Det Insp Roe had told the court she felt "physically sick" when she read the message, and took it as a threat to harm her career.
She said she had spurned Mr Andrews' attempts to begin a relationship with her.
Owen Edwards, prosecuting, asked Mr Donald: "Did you give any authorisation to Colin Andrews to send such a text?"
Mr Donald replied: "Just let me be absolutely clear – the first time I became aware of this was when I was told by [Assistant Chief Constable] Alan Leaver and [Deputy Chief Inspector] Mark Oliver."
Mr Edwards asked: "Would he, from your friendship, have felt able to send that assuming you would approve."
"Absolutely not," Mr Donald replied.
"I became aware of this when Alan Leaver and Mark Oliver told me on the same day. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to read it, and it makes me feel sick."
Mr Andrews denies rape, stalking, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, witness intimidation, harassment and two counts of common assault.
The trial continues.
