A MASSEUR accused of groping a frightened student at his clinic above a chip shop was not guilty, his barrister told a jury.

Robert Downey's counsel told Burnley Crown Court the case "didn't add up," and the evidence of the teenaged alleged victim had not been consistent.

Oliver Jarvis said the defendant, whose Golden Hands business was above Bridleway Fish and Chips, which he owned with his wife in Waterfoot, had given massages to hundreds of people.

He asked the jury: "Why was he suddenly going to blow it all with this 18 year-old ? Was he really going to risk anything?"

Downey, of Booth Road, Waterfoot, denies three allegations of indecent assault, last June 13.

The student has told the court how the defendant allegedly fondled her breasts and bottom after taking down her towel as she lay nearly naked on a treatment table.

The girl's mother alleged Downey admitted to her what he had done. She said after she told Downey's wife, Joan, who had been serving up chip dinners at the time of the alleged attacks, what her husband had done he was seen walking down the road covered in curry.

Mr Jarvis had earlier branded the girl an attention seeker.

Mr Jarvis said there had been no confession by the defendant to the girl's mother.

Judge Raymond Bennett began his summing up yesterday and the jury was expected to retire later today.

(Proceeding)