Man accused of sexually assaulting teenager denies being infatuated with her
A man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl has denied being infatuated with her.
Colin Leonard Cureton , of Llanrwst Road, Colwyn Bay, is alleged to have committed the offences as they watched a football match on television in April last year.
The 67-year-old grandfather denies charges of sexual activity with a child and is on trial at Caernarfon Crown Court .
Giving evidence he agreed he had treated the girl like a granddaughter buying her presents and giving her money but rejected a suggestion by prosecutor Andrew Green he was flattered by the attention the girl had given him.
The jury heard the pair exchanged dozens of text messages each week.
“You were flattered by the attention, you enjoyed it and you were attracted to her. You had developed an infatuation,” the prosecutor said.
“Not at all,” said Cureton.
He added with hindsight he admitted his behaviour towards the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, may be regarded as inappropriate and suggested he may have been “naive”.
Quizzed further by Mr Green Cureton was unable to explain why forensic experts had found traces of his saliva on an item of the girl’s clothing.
He told the jury while watching the television he had fallen asleep and had a tendency to wipe his lips while dozing.
“I woke up and she was holding my hand so my saliva may have got onto her hands,” he suggested.
The dad-of-three was arrested after the girl’s mother alerted police the day after the televised football match.
Cureton told defence barrister Owen Edwards he had told officers the truth during an interview at St Asaph police station and insisted nothing had happened between him and the girl.
The former council painter and decorator was highly regarded by his colleagues, friends and family.
One former council official described him as “honest and hard-working”. One of his children said he was “very generous” and always saw the best in people.
The jury will continue deliberating their verdicts tomorrow.
