A 39-YEAR-old man who is accused of continually sexually abusing two girls told police he had not indecently assaulted them, a court heard.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Ian Middleton allegedly committed sex acts with his two alleged victims, pushed one on to a bed and subjected the other to his behaviour over three years.

Middleton, of Bury Road, Haslingden, living at Glenroy Avenue, Colne, at the time of the alleged offences, denies 12 charges of indecency.

Richard Vardon, prosecuting, told the jury that five of the indecency charges involving the older victim were specimen allegations. The sixth charge was the last time anything untoward had happened, and the girl had pushed Middleton away. She had been examined by a doctor, who found an injury consistent with her having been subjected to a sex act.

Mr Vardon said five of the charges against him involving the younger victim were specimens, while the last charge involved a particular incident in February. Middleton had allegedly taken the child by the arm, pushed her on to a bed and indecently assaulted her. She was examined by a doctor, who found no sign of an injury, which neither confirmed nor disproved her allegations.

Police were later informed and the defendant was arrested and interviewed. He told officers he had done absolutely nothing which approached indecent assault.

(Proceeding)

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