AN assistant allegedly groped an 11-year-old girl’s breasts when she went into a Colne corner shop to buy sweets after school, a jury heard.

Qazi Ali, who was standing behind the counter of his uncle’s shop, was said to have reached forward, squeezed the girl and called her ‘cheeky’ as he gave her change in the store, known as Tom Wilson’s.

Burnley Crown Court was told how the girl’s friend, also aged 11, who had been with her, was to tell police the defendant had often given the girl some extra sweets when they went to the shop after school.

Ali was later arrested, interviewed twice and claimed he had tickled the girl and if he touched her, it was accidental.

The defendant, 34, of Evelyn Street, Burnley, denies sexual assault, in June last year.

Charlotte Kenny, prosecuting, told the court the friend was describe to police how Ali allegedly reached out with both hands and grabbed the girl’s breasts while they were at the counter.

The prosecutor said both girls were taken aback by his alleged actions and didn’t know how to react. Both went back to the friend’s home and the girl’s mother was told what had allegedly happened. Police were called and the schoolgirl and subsequently her friend were video interviewed.

Miss Kenny said CCTV footage was seized by police from the shop following Ali’s arrest.

The prosecution would say the defendant could be seen with his palms up, moving down towards the chest. Significantly, the alleged victim could be seen instinctively moving backwards.

Ali was questioned twice. The first time was on the day of his arrest, when police had not yet got the CCTV footage.

The defendant told officers the alleged victim had wanted 10 pence credit and he had made some comment she was cheeky.

He claimed he had touched the girl on the head and cheek and reached out and touched her on the shoulders, but he did not intend to touch her breasts.

Miss Kenny said the defendant was interviewed again three days later and shown the CCTV footage.

Ali told police he had touched the girl on the ribs and that was why she could be seen, to use his phrase, jumping back.

The defendant claimed the alleged victim had been upset, he had been trying to cheer her up and he tickled her.

He alleged if he touched the girl, it was an accident.

The prosecutor alleged: “The position of the defendant’s hands were not consistent with the act of tickling.”

(proceeding)