A MIDDLE-aged man allegedly performed a sex act over a schoolboy after taking him to his flat, a jury heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told how Michael Ward, 47, had told the child he loved him and then pinned him down.

When he was later interviewed by police, the defendant claimed the boy's family may have made up the allegation because he had refused to give them cash.

Ward, of York Place, Accrington, denies indecent assault on January 6, 2001.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said Ward, then working for Robinson's travel in Great Harwood, went to play bingo.

He and the alleged victim, who lives in the Hyndburn area, then went to an Indian takeaway before they went to his flat.

That evening, the defendant was insistent that a young couple who lived with him should go out and he gave them some money.

They then left the flat and Ward, a powerfully built man, then said to weigh 23 stones, went and put on a kaftan.

He sat on a chair, the boy was sitting on a settee and they watched a video until about 10pm.

The defendant went over to the settee, put his arm around the child's shoulders and told him he loved him. The boy said he was not interested. Mr Lamberty said Ward then stood up, stood in front of the schoolboy and got hold of him by his arms. He then lifted him up, threw him to the ground on his back and knelt down on top of him.

Ward was later arrested but told officers the child's family had asked him for money, he had refused to hand any over and that may be why the allegation had been made against him.

(Proceeding)