A SCHOOLGIRL told how she froze with fear as she was allegedly molested by a drunken man in an early hours attack.

The 15-year-old said she was "scared stiff," and couldn't move as Sean Canavan, who had been staggering about, exposed himself and repeatedly committed sex acts on her.

The teenager claimed Canavan, who was old enough to be her father, had told her she was attractive and gorgeous and had kept asking for a cuddle.

She broke down and sobbed as she was questioned on video by a police woman. The girl said at first she had thought the defendant was "just having a laugh," and told him to leave her alone but then began to fear she might be raped.

Canavan, 37, of Mitella Street, Burnley, denies indecent assault on May 31, at Burnley Crown Court. He claims nothing happened.

Rebecca Lloyd-Smith, prosecuting, told the jury the defendant took off his shirt. The zip of his trousers was also undone and he was not wearing underwear.

Canavan tried to kiss the girl, attempted to pull down her top and fondle her and told the girl he wanted her to go to bed with him.

He then pulled the alleged victim's clothing to one side, touched her indecently and committed a sex act three times as she kicked or pushed him away.

Miss Lloyd-Smith said at that point the defendant "realised he wasn't getting anywhere," got dressed and left.

The teenager, who was "visibly upset," immediately went to tell relations what had happened and police were called.

The prosecutor said Canavan was arrested later the same day and interviewed. He denied seeing the girl at any stage.

He claimed he had been out with friends, had left a Burnley pub with a woman and had gone to check on his girlfriend's children because she was away.

The defendant told officers he had taken the woman to a friend's house where he had sex with her and his friend then did. Canavan said he then fell asleep.

Giving evidence via video link, the schoolgirl told the court Canavan had tried to put his arm around her and said he wanted a cuddle but she had told him to get off. The defendant would not leave her alone. She went on: "I thought 'Smack him, smack him,' but I just couldn't move. I was frozen."

Cross-examined by Kevin Donnelly, defending, the girl said she did not try to get away because she did not know what to do.

(Proceeding)