A close family friend allegedly indecently assaulted a 14-year-old girl while carrying out repairs on her home, the Grand Court has heard.
The trial of Gordon Aaron McLaughlin began on Monday 28 Nov, as the jury of four women and three men heard that McLaughlin, a family friend of the complainant, was alone with the child at her home when the incidents are said to have occurred.
McLaughlin faces four counts of indecent assault. He denies the charges.
The case against him alleges that on 31 Oct. 2021, he indecently touched the child twice, then used her hands to touch him indecently. He is also alleged to have held the child down on a bed, while she was partially wrapped in towel, but then released her after she screamed.
“The complainant approached the defendant and began talking with him, because she said she was bored,” said prosecutor Sarah Lewis who told the jury that McLaughlin had known the child for years. “While speaking with him, he steered the conversation towards a sexual nature, and began asking her if a boy had touched her breast, or her vagina.”
Each time he asked, McLaughlin is alleged to have groped the child who was fully dressed.
The alleged assault is said to have come to light when the child’s mother saw a message between her daughter and a friend on social media.
“[The child’s mother] monitors her Instagram account to ensure that she is using social media constructively,” said Lewis.
Upon discovering the messages, the child’s mother reported the matter to the RCIPS’ Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub. McLaughlin was subsequently arrested.
“During an interview, he told officers that the child approached him and told him that she was being bullied in school by students who claimed she was a lesbian,” Lewis said.
McLaughlin remains on bail and the trial continues.
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