"The article says "sex that started as consensual but ended as rape." That seems a little hard to prove, to me ... I think they'll have better luck convicting on the assault charges."
Presumably, the girl objected to the handcuffing and slashing part of the sex. Shouldn't be too hard for a jury to believe that. Apparently these girls were into bondage and torture.
Good point. I don't think I'll be following this trial ... ick!