FRIENDS and work colleagues of man accused of sexually abusing a little girl have told a court of his honest' and genuine' character.

Ralph Stokes, 24 was said to have exposed himself to the seven-year-old child and got her to undress before performing a sex act on her and encouraging her to perform one on him a claim he denies.

A former trainer, who coached Stokes towards an NVQ, told the court he had found his pupil a committed and honest person.

Keith Gordon, a former youth training officer, said: "He was very committed to achieving the NVQ and a very genuine, honest and trustworthy individual."

Other friends sent letters to the court praising his character as a lovely genuine lad', a fine young man' and a fine example of young people today'.

Stokes, formerly of Elm Close, Barnoldswick, and now of Henry Street, Nelson, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault on a child under 13 and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, last July 13.

Earlier the court heard Stokes had been wearing baggy shorts.

The seven-year-old thought he accidentally exposed himself and did not think anything of it.

The defendant then allegedly asked the girl to go upstairs and the pair ended up in a bedroom.

Stokes then undressed, asked the girl to do the same and kissed her intimately as she lay on the bed.

He then asked her if she would do the same for him, she refused but then quickly kissed him.

The jury heard afterwards both the defendant and the alleged victim got dressed and Stokes gave her some loose change.

The seven-year-old told police the defendant gave her the money for committing the sex act.

The court heard Stokes told the little girl she must not tell his girlfriend what had happened but she later did. He was then confronted and asked if it was true.

He claimed nothing untoward had gone on but accepted both he and the girl had taken their clothes off.

Stokes alleged he had got undressed and the girl had copied him. He claimed it was not of a sexual nature and no sexual kissing had gone on whatsoever.

Martine Snowden, prosecuting, alleged when the defendant was con-fronted again about the allegations, he said he was ashamed and needed help.

The defendant was later arrested and interviewed and repeatedly denied anything untoward had happened.

He said he had exposed himself by accident and immediately covered himself up with a cushion.

Miss Snowden said Stokes told officers he had got undressed in a room upstairs and had not expected the child to go in.

He alleged she somehow took her shorts off, but kept her T shirt on.

The defendant claimed any contact was instigated by the seven-year-old and alleged it was just her childlike curiosity.

(Proceeding)