A MAN said to have sexually abused two girls asked one of them to copy what a porn star was doing on a film, a court heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told how Robert George Carrel, now 54, was said to have got the confused seven year old to perform sex acts on him and gave her cash for sweets.

She kept quiet, but later learned another child, who she did not know, had made a complaint of sexual wrong-doing against the defendant.

The second alleged victim was to tell police Carrel had tried to have intercourse with her and sexually assaulted her when she was 11.

Carrel, formerly of Colne but now of no fixed address, denies four charges of indecency with a child, and rape, attempted rape and sexual activity with a child.

Louise Whaites, prosecuting, told the jury both alleged victims were vulnerable and came from chaotic back-grounds.

Carrel was half naked, watching porn in a darkened room and allegedly asked the child if she knew what the people on the film were doing and if she would do what they were doing to him.

She felt unable to tell any adult what had been happening.

The alleged victim then heard another girl was making a complaint against Carrel and she began to confide in a counsellor. Police were called.

Miss Whaites said Carrel was arrested and interviewed and denied the allegations.

He claimed the alleged victims may have colluded to make the claims against him. (Proceeding)