The trial of an Italian policeman accused of raping an Australian teenager has begun in Padua in northern Italy.
The 16-year-old, travelling with her mother and sister, lodged with Dino Maglio through the hospitality-exchange website Couchsurfing.
An Italian court has heard he left her defenceless by spiking a drink with tranquilisers.
Dino Maglio is standing trial for allegedly luring women into his home using a website for budget travellers, then sexually abusing them.
Among them was a 16-year-old Australian teenager.
Gian Marco Rubino, one of the lawyers representing the girl and her mother, says the legal team is seeking a long jail sentence.
"The prosecutor asked for 10 years and six months, lowered because it is a fast-track trial to seven years and four months."
In March last year, the mother took her two daughters to stay at Maglio's apartment in Padua, near Venice.
She found the accommodation through the Couchsurfing website, which offers free accommodation around the world.
Prosecution lawyer Boris Dubini says the girl, then 16, stayed up chatting to Maglio after her mother and younger sister had gone to bed.
"He took advantage of the fact that the mother trusted him. He remained alone with the daughter, who was still a minor. He gave her alcohol and a tranquiliser to turn her into a rag doll."
He then allegedly raped her while her family slept in the next room.
Maglio admits having spiked the girl's drink and having sex with her.
He claims it was consensual.
Maglio had a popular profile page on Couchsurfing, attracting young female guests from all over the globe.
Fifteen other women have come forward to say they were drugged, sexually assaulted or both by the policeman.
Reporter Alessia Cerantola, of the Investigative Reporting Project Italy, says, as more articles were published about the case, more women have contacted them.
"We have other stories from other countries, from the Czech Republic, from Hong Kong, so from all over the world. From Canada, as well."
Maglio is expected to face further charges.
Couchsurfing has released a statement saying:
"We have cooperated and will continue to cooperate with local law-enforcement officials in their investigation of the allegations and offer these brave women our heartfelt support."
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