A PUB landlord said to have molested a young mother late at night in a cemetery in Oswaldtwistle told a jury she did not resist his advances..

Twice-married Alan Jolley, 52, claimed he kissed her, fondled her, lifted her T-shirt and bra, put his hand down her trousers and also kissed the woman "around the groin and buttock area."

Asked by his counsel: "Did she show any distress or resistance during the course of what was going on?" the defendant replied: "None whatsoever."

Jolley, who described himself as 'tactile', told Burnley Crown Court he and his wife of 21 years, Anne, had a loving relationship, but had not had intercourse for about four years and he could not remember the last time he was sexually aroused.

Jolley, who has run the White Bull, New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, for the last nine years, denies indecent assault on May 4.

The prosecution has alleged he sexually assaulted the woman, putting his hand over her mouth as she struggled to get away.

It was claimed he suggested they have intercourse and told the complainant to be quiet as he tried to commit an indecent act on her.

Giving evidence on the fourth day of the trial at Burnley Crown Court, Jolley said he and his wife did not have sex because of a combination of stress and tiredness.

He said: "In the licensed trade, when you go to bed all you want to do is sleep. It is a long and stressful day and it is just the last thing on your mind."

Asked by Robert Crawford, defending, when was the last time he was sexually aroused, the defendant said he could not remember and it was a long time ago.

He said he and Mrs Jolley slept together, would touch and kiss in public and the fact they did not have intercourse had nothing to do with the effect they had on each other.

(Proceeding)