Zhenhao Zou denies using drugs to assault women but admits to buying substances for personal use.

A PhD student accused of drugging and raping ten women has denied purchasing a drug from China for the purpose of carrying out sexual assaults. Zhenhao Zou, 27, stands trial at Inner London Crown Court, facing charges of raping three women in London and seven in China between 2019 and 2023. He denies all charges and has begun giving evidence in his defence.

Zou was questioned about his purchase of two bottles of Butanediol, a substance found in his wardrobe by police during a search. The drug, which is typically used as a solvent, was ordered online from Taobao, a Chinese retailer. Police discovered the bottles sealed, and Zou explained that he had bought them in July 2023 with the intention of using them in nightclubs to get high. He claimed he poured the substance into drinks and consumed it himself to feel “happier at parties,” asserting that he never intended to use it for the purpose of assaulting women.

When asked directly if he had bought the drug with the intent of drugging women, Zou firmly replied: “No.” Despite the denial, the prosecution claims that his actions and past encounters with drugs like cocaine and ketamine at parties may reflect a pattern of behaviour.

During his testimony, Zou admitted to having used drugs like cocaine and ketamine in the past, while studying at University College London (UCL). However, he rejected the suggestion that the bottles of Butanediol found in his room were purchased with any malicious intent. He stated, “The two bottles in my room were bought in July 2023, and the substance is Butanediol, which I use for moisturising my face and body.”

Zou’s testimony continued with further revelations. He revealed that he had been in the habit of taking photographs of his sexual activity with partners, but insisted that the photos were only ever taken with their consent. Zou categorically denied ever having non-consensual sex, claiming that he always believed his partners consented. However, he acknowledged that his preference in pornography involved “sleeping women,” a revelation that has shocked the courtroom.

When asked by his lawyer why this type of pornography appealed to him, Zou said, “I like it because the girl appears to be still and quiet when they are having sex.” He also admitted that he struggled to find such content, adding that it was his “favourite type.”

The jury has already seen videos in court that allegedly depict Zou engaging in sexual acts with unconscious or intoxicated women. Two women have testified that they were raped by Zou while drifting in and out of consciousness.

Prosecutors have painted a damning picture of Zou, labelling him as a “persistent sexual predator, a voyeur, and a rapist.” Despite this, Zou maintains his innocence and continues to deny the charges. He asserts that he did not engage in any non-consensual activity with his partners.

Zou, originally from China, came to the UK to pursue his PhD studies. His time in the UK was interrupted by the Covid pandemic, during which he returned to China for the period between March 2020 and July 2021. The trial continues as both the prosecution and defence present their cases.