A 33-YEAR-OLD Huddersfield man has gone on trial accused of sexually abusing young girls over a three-month period.

Gerard Martin, of Larch Close, Kirkheaton, has pleaded not guilty to four allegations of indecent assault relating to three girls, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between April and June last year.

A jury at Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that after Martin was arrested and questioned by police he said he had not touched the girls and did not know why they were making allegations against him.

Prosecutor Caroline Wigin told the court that all three youngsters had alleged that Martin touched them indecently on their breasts, legs and bottoms.

Two of the girls also told police that he had tried to kiss and cuddle them.

The court heard that the allegations came to light after one 11-year-old told a friend and the police were contacted by a teacher.

During a video interview with police she alleged that Martin touched her between the legs and on her bottom. She then ran out of the room because she was scared of him.

The trial continues.