Last updated at 12:50, Monday, 13 August 2012

A MAN accused of having sex with a young girl has said he was shocked when the accusations were made against him.

• Related article: Barrow man, 44, guilty of sex with child five times
• Related article: Barrow man, 44, denies charges of sex with under-age girl

Stephen Cooksey

As he took to the stand to give evidence yesterday at Preston Crown Court, Stephen Cooksey told the jury: “I’m not hiding anything.”

The 44-year-old, of Stackwood Avenue, Barrow, has pleaded not guilty to five charges of sexual activity with a child.

The prosecution has claimed he had full sex with an underage, teenage girl, knowing how old she was.

Cooksey, who is married, denies ever having sex with the girl or trying to have sex with her.

He accepted having had phone and text contact with the girl on what he called a “friendly basis”. He also accepted they had once kissed on the cheek because she was thanking him for giving her some help.

Earlier in the trial, which is expected to be concluded today, the prosecution said suspicions were raised after contact between Cooksey and the girl, but he insisted nothing untoward had happened. Mr Paul Cummings, prosecuting, had told the court an adult became suspicious because of the amount of time the girl would spend on the phone and also texting.

Later, the girl told police Cooksey had had sex with her. The defendant was arrested and interviewed.

The defendant yesterday told the court of his reaction when he realised allegations were being made against him. He said: “I was shocked, really shocked.”

Cooksey also described the claims made as “ridiculous”. Under cross examination, when the prosecution suggested to Cooksey that he was hiding the truth, Cooksey replied: “I’m not hiding anything.”

The trial continues.

First published at 16:21, Friday, 10 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk