A NORTH-EAST man went on trial yesterday accused of indecently assaulting two young boys.

Edward Dobson is alleged to have indecently touched the boys last year.

But Mr Dobson told police that the only physical contact between them had been when one of the boys had got mud on his bike and Mr Dobson had put his arm around him when he was crying.

Mr Dobson, 30, of Blake Street, Easington Colliery, County Durham, is charged with two offences of indecent assault, two offences of false imprisonment and one offence of indecency with a child. He denies the charges.

Yesterday, Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, told the jury at Teesside Crown Court the boys told police that Mr Dobson had been touching them.

Mr Dobson denied any impropriety with either of the boys, saying he simply enjoyed their company, said Mr Dodds.

The case continues