Man denies abusing three girls
A man is accused of abusing three girls over a 23- year period.
Thomas Martin, 56, is standing trial over claims he molested the youngsters, including a 10-year-old with special needs.
Her teacher claims she broke down after confessing what allegedly happened to her.
Martin has denied the allegations at Paisley Sheriff Court.
The teacher, 33, said: “Her manner was very subdued.
“She was not making eye contact and there were long periods of silence.
“I suppose I could describe it as if she was switched off.
“She was lethargic, subdued.
“That’s probably the best way to describe it.
“She was probably like that for about 20 to 30 minutes.
“Until the end, when she cried.
“We sat and watched some mermaid T V programs on Netflix that she’d chosen while we decided what was going to happen next.”
Martin is alleged to have abused the girl at an address in Laighcartside Street, Johnstone, last year.
A woman, 18, claimed she had also been molested by him when she was aged between 12 and 13.
She says she was attacked at his former home in MacDowall Street, Johnstone.
She alleges she was targeted between 2012 and 2013 in his three-bedroom property after school while wearing her uniform.
The teenager told the court she regrets not contacting police earlier.
She said: “I didn’t know anything about any other allegations against Thomas Martin until after I went to the police.
“I felt bad as I felt like, if I spoke out when it happened, then it wouldn’t have happened again.
“When I was younger, I was touched and I felt like my legs were trying to be forced apart.
“He’d put his hand down my trousers and touch me. “He would feel me up.
“I didn’t tell anyone because I was scared in case no one believed me.
“When I told someone now, I was still scared to say it.
“It was getting into my head and I just couldn’t keep it in anymore.”
Martin is accused of using “lewd and libidinous” practices towards a third woman, 28, between 1995 and 1996, when she was five.
It is claimed he molested her at a home in Glasgow.
The trial, before Sheriff Seith Ireland, continues.