A LORRY driver said to have sexually abused a schoolgirl told a jury how he was "shocked and stunned," to hear of the allegations against him.

Keith Hawthorn, 35, said he just could not concentrate on his work and did not know how the complaints had come about.

Asked by his barrister what he thought of sex offenders, he told Burnley Crown Court: "I think it's disgusting and those people who do it want sorting out."

Hawthorn, of Edge End Avenue, Brierfield, denies seven counts of indecent assault.

Hawthorn said he had been on his way up from the south when his wife phoned to tell him of the allegations being made against him.

He went on: "I said 'You're joking. What's going on?'"

Hawthorn said he returned home, flabbergasted at what was happening.

Robert Crawford, defending, asked Hawthorn: "Is there anything you can think of or pinpoint that might have been misinterpreted by the girl?"

Hawthorne replied that he would squeeze the back of the alleged victim's knee to make her jump, but he had also done that to another child as well.

Mr Crawford went on: "Have you ever touched on her private parts? " Hawthorn: "Never."

He added he thought sex offenders were disgusting and needed sorting out.

The jury has earlier been told how Hawthorn was alleged to have touched the girl indecently.

The girl told the court she had been too frightened to tell anybody what she claimed was going on because of what Hawthorn might do or say.

(Proceeding)

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