OAP forcibly kissed young relative (13), court is told

THE trial of a 77-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting his 13-year-old great-granddaughter started in Belfast yesterday.

The pensioner, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of two charges arising from two separate incidents the teenage complainant said occurred earlier this year.

Prosecuting barrister Jim Johnston told Belfast Crown Court the allegations involved the accused kissing the child on the lips twice in a way that was a “deliberate, purposeful and sexual act”.

Mr Johnston said the first incident took place on February 24 at the defendant’s home.

The girl said that as she was coming down the stairs, the man she called “Granda” asked for a kiss. She said that after she gave him a peck, he put his tongue in her mouth and hugged her tight.

She said she pushed him off, he asked her to go upstairs, she said no, then she went down the stairs.

She also claimed that on this occasion he told her: “Don’t tell anyone.”

Mr Johnston said the second incident occurred 10 days later.

The girl was off school for the morning as she had a dental appointment.

She alleges that as he ran her to school after the appointment he again kissed her, forced his tongue into her mouth and held her tight until she freed herself.

Mr Johnston said the following day the girl told her mother. The police were informed and the defendant was arrested.

During i nterview t he accused accepted he gave his great-granddaughter a lift, but denied kissing her in the way she alleged.

At hearing.