JURORS will this morning begin their deliberations in the case of a Darlington man accused of the historical sexual abuse of a young girl in the 1970s.

Raymond Anthony Tunstall Jr, 59 denies ever inappropriately touching a child, asking her to touch him or attempting to rape her four decades ago.

The former British Gas fitter, who retired aged 55 through ill health, has had a week-long trial at Teesside Crown Court, overseen by Judge Deborah Sherwin.

During the trial, the court has heard allegations Mr Tunstall Jr, of the Hopetown area of Darlington, would use a den in Croft or a secluded area of South Park to carry out the attacks.

However, Mr Tunstall Jr denies any indecent activity ever took place during the period, when he would have been a teenager.

The court has also heard the complainant in the case has maintained contact with Mr Tunstall Jr, who has carried out boiler repairs and odd jobs at her home.

The woman making the accusations claims the pair have kept in touch to "keep up a front", adding Mr Tunstall Jr told her no one would believe her if she said anything.

At the end of the final day of evidence yesterday, Judge Sherwin summed up the case for the jury of eight women and four men.

Addressing the jury, Judge Sherwin reminded them Mr Tunstall Jr is man of previous good character with no prior convictions.

She reiterated evidence and witness statements heard during the week, which also revealed further allegations of historical sexual abuse committed by Mr Tunstall Jr on another young girl.

Judge Sherwin added: "The defence suggest [the women] may have put their heads together, with one 'piggy-backing' off the other. If this is the case, there would be no certainty over the evidence given by either women.

"The first evidence you heard was by [the claimant], who gave her evidence in court behind a screen.

"There's nothing unusual about this procedure and do not think that it reflects on the defendant in any way."

She added: "All the witnesses are trying to remember back some 40 years and it's up to you whether you make allowances for this and what allowances you make.

"When witnesses are first interviewed by police, they don't necessarily expect that they are going to remember details and precise timings of when things took place.

"It is a similar situation for the defendant who has allegations against them and is brought in for questioning with little time to gather their thoughts."

Judge Sherwin directed the jury they would be called back at 10.15am on Friday ahead of being instructed to begin their deliberations.