A BRADFORD mosque worker, accused of sexually molesting two boys, told police he had not touched either of them for sexual pleasure, a court heard yesterday.

Yasir Muhammed Hafiz, 31, told officers the allegations were very painful.

Hafiz, of Daleside Walk, West Bowling, who works at the Madrassah Nur Qur'an in Parkside Road, West Bowling, denies nine allegations of sexual assault and seven of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, relating to two boys aged 12 and nine.

The prosecution claims Hafiz hugged and tickled the boys in a sexual manner, kissed one of them, and put their hands on his private parts.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that when interviewed by police, the defendant denied all the allegations.

Prosecutor Michael Collins read to the jury a number of facts agreed by the prosecution and defence, which included details of detentions and exclusions from school of the 12-year-old boy during 2014.

He also received a police caution for anti-social behaviour outside school.

It was also said that he had "strangled" another pupil during PE, and that he was a "nasty" boy at home and his mother could not cope with his behaviour.

The court heard the defendant had no previous convictions, cautions or penalties.

The trial continues today.