A SPECIAL needs learning assistant told a jury he never touched five girls indecently while helping them in lessons at school, a court was told.

Erik Seddon, aged 57, of Westley Drive, Roe Green, Worsley, told Bolton Crown Court yesterday that when he helped the pupils he stood behind them and put his hands on their shoulders.

He added: "Other times, because the desks are small, I knelt down beside them and put one hand on the back of the seat and, with the other hand, I helped them with the problem they had with their work."

Five girls aged nine and 10, who all attended the same Bolton primary school, alleged that Seddon indecently touching them as he helped them with their school work.

Seddon, who is a man of good character, denied kneeling down next to the girls and indecently touch them under the desk.

The court heard in statements read out in court that Seddon, who was a postman for 20 years before retiring, had worked as a special needs learning assistant in several other schools.

He had also worked with young people as a cub instructor, assistant scout leader and scout leader.

Seddon had also produced plays and pantomimes with young people aged between five and 14, and had worked for Catholic charities.

He said he was naturally affectionate and the girls would often hug him as they arrived for school in the morning, but he never touched the girls indecently.

Earlier in his interview statement taken by the police, Seddon agreed he had been warned by other staff not to have physical contact with the children for his own protection.

Seddon faces five charges alleging indecent assault on five girls aged nine and 10 between December 2001 and April 2002. He denies all the charges.

(Proceeding)