A top Kentucky Fried Chicken boss told an ambitious woman employee she would have to sleep with him if she wanted promotion, it was claimed yesterday.

It was one of several comments made by fast-food boss Richard Frost before he lured the girl to his flat and carried out a sex attack, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

KFC regional manager Frost, 32, took advantage of the 24-year-old as she attempted to climb the promotion ladder.

He plied her with drink and waited until she was asleep before removing her clothes and touching her intimately.

The court heard that Mr Frost was KFC's North-East regional manager when the incident took place last August.

He took a fancy to the 24-year-old as she worked her way up from lowly burger fryer.

As she launched her promotion bid, she was interviewed by Mr Frost for the post of trainee assistant manager.

Tim Moran, prosecuting, told the court: "She received a call from Frost to arrange an interview. He said to her on the phone that she would 'have to sleep with him if she wanted to get this job'."

The alleged attack occurred after a training trip, when a group of staff members enjoyed a night out before going to Mr Frost's flat in Jesmond, Newcastle.

But after consuming a lot of drink, the woman fell asleep and did not realise other members of the party had left.

Mr Moran said: "The girl was sleeping on the sofa and, perhaps fuelled by drink, Frost saw his opportunity and succumbed to temptation."

She awoke, called a taxi and left. She immediately contacted the police and Mr Frost was arrested.

During interviews, he denied indecent assault. He admitted touching her, but said she had consented when they went to his flat, after she told him earlier that she fancied him.

Mr Frost, now of Manchester, denies indecent assault.

The trial continues.