A BUS driver allegedly sexually assaulted a young passenger as she got on his vehicle with a school friend, a jury heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told Mohammed Akbar, 38, had grabbed the 17-year-old's hand on a previous journey, stroked her breast and touched her below the waist.

The alleged victim's friend, then 15, told the court she and the girl got on the bus in Manchester Road, Haslingden.

Akbar stopped the bus in nearby Grane Road, Haslingden, close to the Holden Arms pub, and the pair were so scared they tried to get out of the fire exit at the back.

The teenager said her friend was very upset but did not know if she should contact the police. She claimed Akbar stopped the vehicle to apologise.

Akbar, of Elm Street, Burnley, denies indecent assault, last July 17. Neither girl can be named for legal reasons.

The defendant's barrister alleged the girl, now 18, was not touched at all and made it up to get at the bus driver.

The girl's friend, now 16 and giving evidence by video link, told the jury her friend showed her pass to the driver.

The friend said the defendant was looking at a necklace and then "stroked" her breast.

Jeremy Grout-Smith, prosecuting, asked: "Did he touch her breast by accident, do you think?" The friend replied: "No."

The friend said the defendant then "went a bit further down," and touched the teenager's pants in the area of her private parts.

The 16-year-old told the jury she and the girl then went to the back of the bus and sat down.

She went on: "My friend was asking what to do. She didn't know whether to phone the police or just leave it. She was unsure. I think her boyfriend rang then and told her to get the police."

The friend claimed Akbar then stopped the bus and went to the back of the vehicle, where he said he was sorry. The defendant then returned to his cab and carried on with the journey.

Under cross-examination, the alleged victim, accused of making up her claims, replied: "No, I haven't. I wouldn't be here today if I was. It would be just a waste of time."

(Proceeding)