A man accused of indecently assaulting a nine-year-old schoolgirl at a Suffolk seaside village when he was 17 sent text messages to the girl’s father saying what he did was "stupid" and that he had "regretted it ever since", a court heard. 

James Rhind, now aged 23, had been on holiday at Walberswick when he is alleged to have assaulted the girl by offering to show her a "cool spot" that would feel "really good" if it was rubbed. 

After she said "no", he is alleged to have later unbuckled her shorts and touched her over her underwear. 

Mitchell Cohen, prosecuting, read out the text, which said: “I can’t excuse what happened four years ago. It was stupid and I only just learned about what all that was.  

“I have regretted those actions ever since and hope that they can be forgotten.” 

In other texts, he said he was "sorry" for his actions and said the incident was a "one-off". 

However, giving evidence Rhind, of Valley Drive, Durham, said he had sent the message because he feared for his safety and hoped to prevent the matter going to the police. 

When Mr Cohen questioned Rhind as to why he was worried about the police becoming involved, the defendant replied that he was worried about the impact on his girlfriend’s career as a solicitor. 

On Wednesday, the court also heard Rhind was on the autistic spectrum and needed help for dyslexia, which affected his reading ability and may have affected his decision-making in relation to the texts he sent. 

When Mr Cohen said Rhind had been able to withstand the rigours of police questioning and cross-examination in court, the latter responded that being in court was a different situation. 

Following the touching incident, Rhind is alleged to have then rubbed her between her legs after her underwear had been removed, but had stopped when she said it hurt. 

He is also alleged to have subsequently kissed the girl on her shoulder and thigh. 

He has denied assaulting a child under 13 by penetration and sexual activity with a child. 

The trial continues.