A TEENAGE swimming pool attendant accused of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl has been described in court as an "honest, trustworthy and responsible" student.

Christopher Peart's barrister called two character witnesses and read a number of testimonials from people who have either worked with the 18-year-old or taught him.

Earlier, Mr Peart's father went into the witness box to tell the jury how he called police in to investigate the claims against him because he wanted to clear his son's name.

Mr Peart, a part-time attendant at Teesdale Sports Centre, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, had been the subject of an internal investigation at the leisure complex and the allegation had not been substantiated.

The court heard how his father, Alastair, called in the police when the mother of the alleged victim demanded more action was taken.

Giving evidence on the third day of his son's trial, Mr Peart Snr told the jury: "I wanted to clear Chris's name totally. I believe he was innocent, and felt that was the only way."

Mr Peart, of Rose Crescent, Barnard Castle, denies a specimen charge of sexual assault, and faces a trial in front of a jury of eight women and four men.

It is alleged he squeezed the bottom of an 11-year-old three times as she got belongings from a locker at the centre on September 26, last year.

Prosecutors allege Mr Peart, then a sixth form student at Teesdale Comprehensive School, was cleaning the changing area, but deliberately kept walking past the girl to touch her.

Mr Peart yesterday told the court he may have brushed past the girl, now aged 12, and touched her accidentally on one occasion, but said it was unlikely it happened more than that.

In her closing speech to the jury, Mr Peart's barrister, Aisha Wadoodi reminded them the alleged victim's friend, who had been swimming with her and was next to her at the lockers, had not seen her being touched.

Miss Wadoodi asked the jury: "Has she just convinced herself, in hindsight that something has happened?"

The jury retired to consider a verdict yesterday, but failed to reach one, and will return to court today to continue deliberating.