A PENSIONER previously convicted of a string of child sex crimes - including rape - has gone on trial accused of abusing two girls.

Arthur Bierton, who is now aged 73, admits indecently assaulting the youngsters in North Yorkshire in the 1980s and 1990s.

But he is facing a trial at Teesside Crown Court this week because he denies some of the accusations and disputes repeatedly raping one of them.

The court heard yesterday (Monday, April 25) how his alleged victims initially kept their ordeals a secret, but even after telling people they did not go to the police.

Prosecutor Paul Newcombe told a jury that the accusers - now women - felt ashamed and scared, and were worried that they would be badly judged.

He said Bierton would give the girls sweets or money to buy treats "as bribes to keep quiet" and got one a CD by 80s boy band New Kids on the Block.

Bierton, of Stockton Road, Thirsk, has pleaded not guilty to eight charges of indecent assault, three of indecency with a child and three rapes.

Mr Newcombe told the jury that the counts were "specimen" charges to reflect a course of conduct over a period of time.

The jury heard that one of the women - when she finally went to the police - told detectives: "It happened so many times it was like Groundhog Day."

Mr Newcombe said: "She told the police 'I was ashamed, I suppose, and I was scared of people thinking I wanted it'. You may think that's natural."

After his arrest, Bierton made a "no comment" interview, but has since gone on to admit an indecent assault on each girl in his defence statement.

The jury was told that in 1975, he was convicted of an indecent assault on a female, and four years later of child rape and multiple indecent assaults on teenagers.

Mr Newcombe said: "The prosecution say that is important evidence for you to consider. The defendant has previous convictions for sexual offences with children.

"In this case, in the case of both girls, he has admitted he sexually abused them. He has admitted touching their vaginas on numerous occasions, but the prosecution's case is that he went much further."

The trial continues.