A pensioner facing sex charges has been accused of giving girls presents for sinister reasons.
A jury heard yesterday that 80-year-old John Drury would take children to museums and on trips to the zoo and some would return home later with gifts he had bought them.
But the mother of two girls who used to visit Drury, said he only bought the presents as he had an "ulterior motive".
The woman was giving evidence in Drury's trial on 12 indecent assault and two indecency with a child charges. He has denied all the charges and told police the assaults never took place.
The Chelmsford Crown Court jury heard the woman accused Drury of trying to "buy" the friendship of her children and others by giving them presents.
These included Barbie dolls, sweets and items from the Colchester Castle museum and Colchester Zoo, the trial heard.
Earlier, the jury heard Drury was a well-respected member of the Jehovah's Witness church in Colchester.
The trial continues.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, September 15, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article