A 56-year-old man sexually abused a 12-year-old girl he was giving money to and buying CDs and clothes, a jury at Bradford Crown Court was told today.

Paul Connolly, of Bayne Drive, Bierley, Bradford, denies indecently assaulting a girl under the age of ten in the late 1990s and three charges of sexually assaulting a second girl in 2012.

Prosecutor Jon Gregg said police found inappropriate text messages to the 12-year-old girl on Connolly’s phone and photos of young girls, including one of the alleged victim taken from behind.

The first girl, now in her 20s, said she met the defendant when he organised events at her school and community centre.

She wept as she told the jury he molested her at his home.

The second girl said Connolly bought her things and she thought he wanted something in return.

She told the police gifts included CDs, money and clothes, including an expensive coat.

The girl alleged Connolly kissed her on the neck and indecently assaulted her.

Connolly’s barrister, Jeremy Hill-Baker, said his client was “touchy feely” with a lot of people.

He suggested to the girl she was lying when she alleged he touched her inappropriately.

The trial continues.