Man denies sexual assault of teenager

CLAIMS KISS ON CHEEK WAS MEANT TO 'CHEER UP' GIRL

- CARL EVE

A MAN who denied he sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Plymouth city centre by kissing her on the cheek while drunk has told a court he only did it to 'cheer her up!

Alan Brown appeared at Plymouth Crown Court on Wednesday, when he faced the single charge - although a jury has heard he pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of common assault which related to an incident on January 1 this year in Armada Way, Plymouth.

Prosecutor Katie Churcher explained how the young woman who cannot be named for legal reasons, to protect her identity - had finished work on the afternoon of New Year's Day and was heading home along Armada Way with a friend when they were caught in heavy rain. To keep dry, they took shelter under the canopy of the Pasty House shop, near the Sundial.

A few minutes later, they were approached by Brown, who was aged 69 at the time. He began talking to them, beginning with a joke. The young woman's female friend - also a teenager - later told police she believed he was a bit drunk, and Brown confirmed this to her. The jury were told that the two teens remained polite, hoping Brown would eventually leave.