A Bradford market stall boss groped a young girl he asked to work for him, a court heard yesterday.

Abid Hussain, 43, indecently touched the 16-year-old on her first day working at his stall, it was alleged.

Leeds Crown Court heard the youngster had been excited about being offered a job by Hussain at his clothes stall on Leeds market.

But, in a recorded police interview shown to the court, the girl alleged Hussain sexually assaulted her several times during the day and made indecent suggestions.

The girl said she broke down and told her boyfriend what had happened that evening after returning from work. He telephoned her mother and the police were alerted.

Hussain, of Leeds Road, Eccleshill, told police the girl had asked him for work and insisted there had been no intentional touching and nothing had been said of a sexual nature.

He said the only touching he could think of was to accidentally brush her with his elbow.

Hussain has pleaded not guilty to three charges of sexual assault in October 2006. The trial continues.