A man has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on several occasions.
Thomas Barr, of 13 Meadow Road, Dunbeg, is accused of groping the girl’s bottom and touching her breast over her clothing at Dunbeg’s bus stop and outside the village shop.
The incidents are alleged to have taken place between August 1 and September 21.
He is also accused of breaking a bail condition not to contact her by shouting at her on Meadow Road, Dunbeg, and repeatedly asking her why she had phoned the police.
The 55-year-old denies the charges and went on trial at Oban Sheriff Court yesterday.
Giving evidence the girl said: “He would come up to me and hug me and say things like, ‘I hope you’re keeping out of trouble,’ then he started touching me.
“I was scared because it wasn’t right what he was doing. He was drunk.”
She said that on one occasion she was sitting at the bus stop when he stroked her hair before groping her.
Defence agent Laura McManus said: “I have to suggest to you that Thomas Barr has never touched you inappropriately. He has hugged you once or twice when you were upset.”
