Classroom assistant on trial accused of sexually assaulting pupil

David Singh, 55, of Platnam Grove, Huddersfield, is alleged to have touched the teenager’s breast on a number of occasions while she was in class.

The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said she felt scared and upset at the time, but the alleged incidents were not reported to staff at the school until late 2013.

Prosecutor Gerald Hendron told a jury at Bradford Crown Court today (Monday) that in her police interview the complainant said that Singh would give her sweets and the touching progressed from her ribcage to touching her breast over her clothing.

Mr Hendron said another girl told the complainant that Singh had touched her shoulder and hair.

The second girl told police that she felt uncomfortable as a result of his actions.

Singh was interviewed by police back in November 2013 and denied being responsible for any sexual assault.

He said he had offered mints to students, but denied doing it secretively except once or twice.

When he was asked by police if he had touched the complainant’s breast on numerous occasions he said that it had never happened.

During cross-examination by Singh’s barrister the complainant said she could not remember how many times he had touched her breast.

“It was multiple (times) but I can’t remember the exact number,” she replied.

“Is the reason you can’t remember because it didn’t happen?” asked barrister Steven Crossley.

“Not at all. It did happen it was just a long time ago,” said the complainant.

Singh has pleaded not guilty to three specimen charges of sexual assault.

The trial continues.