A MAN accused of indecently assaulting a six-year-old girl sent a letter of apology and £100 to her parents, a court was told yesterday.

Alan Candlish, 53, of Hertford, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, met the girl, who cannot be named, when she asked to walk his dog.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Candlish invited the girl into his house in July last year and assaulted her.

The girl went home and told her parents she had been "kissed".

Christopher Prince, prosecuting, said Candlish admitted the girl went into his bedroom but denied touching her.

The court heard how in November last year, the girl's parents received a letter from the defendant and five £20 notes.

The letter said: "I can only apologise for what happened to your daughter."

Candlish denies indecent assault. The trial continues.