A 50 YEAR-OLD man allegedly raped a schoolgirl and also molested her friend, a jury was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Alfred Scott, known to the two 12 year olds as 'Freddie', invited them into his shed in Haslingden, told them he had lots of sweets and abused them.

Scott, claimed the girls were his best friends and told them if anybody asked why they were with him, they were to say they were learning German.

Scott, of Musbury Crescent, Rawtenstall, denies one charge of rape and and six of indecent assault, said to have taken place, between March and June last year.

Fiorella Brereton, prosecuting, told the court the defendant befriended the youngsters.

When the girl Scott is charged with raping was spoken to last July, she said 'Freddie' Scott had kissed her on the lips a few times, cuddled her and touched her neck and breasts.

The child claimed Scott had also kissed her intimately after holding her down on a bed and pulling down her pants.

She alleged the defendant had committed a sex act on her and hurt her and a similar thing had happened to her friend.

The 12-year-old told officers the defendant forced her to fondle his private parts and to commit a sex act on him.

Miss Brereton said the girl claimed she kept on going back to Scott, even though she didn't want to. He had taken her into a building like a shed or a caravan and she had gone five or six times.

He allegedly tried to kiss and touch her both above and underneath her clothing.

The alleged victim said she told Scott not to do it but he carried on. She had tried to get away but the defendant was too strong.

The prosecutor said the other girl told police Scott kissed and groped her and struck about six or seven times.

She said the defendant had invited them into his hut, saying he had lots of sweets. The girl said what he allegedly did to her was horrible.

The girl Scott is charged with raping was medically examined last August and a doctor found a tear in her hymen, which, said the medic, could not have been caused accidentally.

The girl had not been involved in regular sexual activity.

Scott's solicitor read a pre-prepared statement on his behalf in which Scott claimed he had not sexually assaulted either of the complainants and not had sex with the one he is charged with raping.

(Proceeding)