AN ANIMAL rights activist who was targeted for a relationship by an undercover police officer when she was 19 gave evidence to the spycops inquiry today.

Jessica (not her real name) told the undercover policing inquiry that she had been targeted by Andy Coles for a long-term relationship in 1993.

In emotional testimony, he said that Mr Coles, who was pretending to be a fellow activist, had lunged at her and kissed her while they were watching television — initiating her first sexual relationship.

Mr Coles was aged  32 and married at the time, but he told her he was 24, she said.

Jessica said she would never have consented to a relationship if she had known his true identity.

Mr Coles has repeatedly denied that there was a sexual relationship.

The Met Police confirmed a relationship at an earlier stage of the inquiry.

Jessica told the hearing that she had been shocked by Mr Coles kissing her, saying she did not want to hurt his feelings and that it was the first time they were alone together. She did not know how to react and “just froze.”

Jessica said that she felt “pathetic saying this,” but it felt “less awkward to go along with what he wanted to do.”

She was uncomfortable with the relationship but believed that it would be more uncomfortable to have a conversation about it.

Ahead of the hearing, Jessica said: “He has always lied and denied our relationship, even giving two no-comment police interviews.

“Mine and his evidence should be heard in public, so it will be obvious who is telling the truth.”

Mr Coles will give evidence to the inquiry next week.

At least 60 women were targeted for relationships by undercover officers, according to campaigners.