A FORMER newsagent owner has denied allegations of committing sexual offences against children.

David Gardner, 79, of Newberry Road, Weymouth, is standing trial at Dorchester Crown Court where he denies four counts of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault against a child.

The incidents are alleged to have taken place in the 1980s across a six-year period at his former shop in High West Street, Weymouth.

Prosecutor Rob Griffiths told the court the male complainant would have been between 12 and 14-years-old at the time, whilst the female complainant would have been between 10 and 14.

Both claims are separate of one another and alleged incidents did not occur at the same time. Jurors watched a video recording of the male complainant’s police interview.

The court heard the man recall two particular incidents where Gardner was alleged to have indecently touched him.

Gardner denied these charges and a further charge that suggested he continued to inappropriately touch him thereafter.

The alleged female victim has claimed Gardner indecently assaulted her on three occasions, and also committed an act of indecency.

She is expected to give evidence when the trial continues today.