No way did I touch girl — OAP

A PENSIONER from Oldham accused of sexually abusing a young girl over a four-year period told a jury he could not understand why she had made the allegation.

Asked if he had ever touched the girl sexually in any way James Fairclough (81) told the Gloucester crown court jury “Never, never, no!”

Fairclough, of Harewood Drive, Royton, is alleged to have molested the girl when she was aged between four and eight.

He told the jury he had on occasions “slapped” the girl for being naughty but added: “It didn’t hurt her and she didn’t cry — it was just done jokingly.”

He went on: “I never touched her sexually, no way. Never, no, no way. I never touched her at all and I was surprised when I heard about this. No-one could understand it.”

Fairclough denies sexual activity with a child under 12.

The trial is expected to end today.