Layer de la Haye worker let children perform sex acts on him

Christopher White, 37, is accused of sexually abusing three children while he worked at Layer Village Store in Layer de la Haye.

The alleged offences, which the complainants say took place between 2007 and 2009, are said to have taken place while White was alone in the shop, which is now under new ownership.

During his defence’s opening today, White, of Mill Lane, Birch, admitted letting two of the children perform sexual acts on him on the shop floor.

Alleged offences - Layer de la Haye (Image: Google)

He told a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court: “That was for the exchange of goods. Sweets, chocolate, small bottles of vodka, cigarettes.”

Cross-examining White, Dingle Clark, defending, asked: “How did that type of behaviour begin? Who suggested it?”

Read more from the trial:

• Former village shop worker gave children cigarettes for 'sexual favours', court hears​
• Ex-shop worker 'had youngster keep watch as he sexually abused children,' court hears

White said: “It was me, I think.”

Mr Clark responded: “Are there any particular words you used to enable that to happen?”

Trial - White is facing a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court (Image: ANDRA MACIUCA)

White added: “It was because stock kept going missing, [so I said]: “If you want something, I need something in return.”

The defendant said each girl sexually gratified him two or three times each.

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White refuted claims he rubbed his genitals on a schoolgirl's leg in the freezer room of the shop in Malting Green Road.

The court heard his typical shift pattern was working about three hours in the morning before returning for a 4pm to 7pm shift.

Investigation - the trial is exploring alleged offences in Layer de la Haye (Image: Google)

Between 4pm and 6pm he would be alone in the shop but did not have a key, although there was a chain on the front door.

White told the jury there was a “two at a time” rule for schoolchildren due to items, particularly cigarettes, being stolen.

He added: “There was quite a few children in the village that would be a nuisance.”

White denies three offences of sexual activity with a child, two offences of sexual assault of a child and two offences of rape of a child.

• The trial continues.

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