A MAN accused of showing an unhealthy interest in a girl of ten is alleged to have indecently touched her when helping her out of wet clothing.

Harry Devine, 54, the former Easington District Council member for the village of Wingate, County Durham, is charged with a single count of indecent assault.

Durham Crown Court was told the alleged incident happened after he took the girl and a friend on a trip to Scarborough, probably in the summer of 2001 or the following year.

The court heard that the girl fell into the lake at Peasholm Park and, despite trying to dry herself off in public lavatories, was still in wet clothing when they returned to County Durham.

Adrian Dent, prosecuting, said in helping the "no doubt embarrassed" girl out of her wet clothing the alleged incident took place.

Mr Dent said the girl was very upset, but did not say anything to her mother later as she feared she would "kill" the defendant.

The allegations emerged in June 2003 and Mr Devine was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault. His home was searched, revealing a number of photographs of the girl.

Officers also recovered a letter written in a child-like hand by Mr Devine purporting to be sent by the girl to him claiming he was angry with her as she wanted sex with him.

When interviewed by police, Mr Devine denied the alleged indecent touching, but admitted writing the letter, "for counter-blackmail reasons".

Mr Devine denies indecent assault. The trial continues today.