A man who claims he was sexually abused as a child by rugby league player Graham Holroyd has told a jury he only wanted an apology.

The complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has claimed that the 38-year-old RL star, who played for clubs including Leeds, Halifax and Huddersfield, abused him as a youngster in the 1980s when Holroyd himself was a juvenile.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday the allegations of abuse only came out during a counselling session and it took the complainant another two months to decide to tell the police.

During questioning by prosecutor Richard Gioserano the man said he felt ‘’torn’’ by the situation because all he wanted from Holroyd was an apology.

‘’All I wanted from him was an apology and to tell me that he was sorry,’’ he added.

‘’What did you want the police to do,’’ asked Mr Gioserano.

‘’I wanted them to speak to him,’’ said the man.

‘’Why?’’ asked Mr Gioserano.

‘’So he could answer what I have said and I was hoping that he would apologise and that would have been the end of it between me and him,’’ the complainant replied.

The man said he didn’t hate Holroyd even though he should and that’s why it was hurting him.

Holroyd, who now lives in Manchester, has denied two charges of indecent assault in relation to allegations of sexual abuse against the man.

He has also pleaded not guilty to three further charges of indecent assault and an allegation of rape against a female complainant.

All the allegations date back to a period in the 1980s and early 1990s when Holroyd was aged between 11 and 15.

During cross-examination by Holroyd’s barrister Simeon Evans the complainant insisted he was not ‘’making up a story’’ and rejected the suggestion that he had twisted acts of kindness to add to the story.

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