TWO boys who helped a restaurant worker unload a delivery van claimed he indecently assaulted them, a court was told.

The boys, aged 12 and 13, claimed that 25-year-old worker Zakariya Patel touched their bottoms as they were helping to unload supplies behind a takeaway shop on Derby Street, Bolton.

Patel, aged 25, of Roseberry Street, Bolton, denied two charges of indecent assault at Bolton Crown Court.

Jonathan Dickinson, prosecuting, said Patel had been serving food from behind the counter when the two boys -- who cannot be named for legal reasons -- came in and ordered takeaway meals.

They finished their food and then noticed a delivery van behind the shop and saw Patel unloading the van. They then went to help.

Patel denied both indecent assault allegations and said that the boys had been getting in the way and that he moved them by grabbing their shoulders.

(Proceeding)