Teacher denies touching boys

A YOUNGSTER who claims a teacher sexually assaulted him several times, told a hushed courtroom he had been too frightened and embarrassed to speak out.

The boy — one of seven who have made similar allegations against 25-year old Oldhamer Neil Carr — said he had felt scared to tell other teachers or confess what was happening to his mother.

Carr has pleaded not guilty to 20 separate offences of sexual assault against the boys — four of them involving the youngster who was the first to give evidence by video link to a trial jury at Manchester Crown Court.

The court heard how the teacher had been well-liked and respected until remarks made by the youngster and a friend were overheard and an investigation launched. The boy said he had liked Mr Carr because he was fun — until the sexual touching began.

The boy said he had told a close friend about what was happening and the other youngster had replied: “I know. He’s done it to me.”

Marsha Myers, defending, suggested he had only made the allegation to his mother to stop her telling him off when he was getting into trouble at home. She also asked him if it was likely Mr Carr had been able to assault him in a class full of other pupils, often with a teaching assistant present.

Ms Myers put it to him: “Are you sure this is not a made up story?”

He replied: “I’m sure. He definitely did it.”

The court was told Mr Carr has denied ever touching children inappropriately, claiming “a pack of lies” invented by pupils.

Proceeding.