A woman who claims she was sexually abused as a child by a former Suffolk man during visits to his home has denied lying about the allegations.

Giving evidence on the second day of the trial of Stephen Grant, now aged 60, formerly of Hodson Close, Bury St Edmunds, the woman described his back door as always being open to local children with sweets and fizzy drinks on offer.

The woman claimed that Grant had sexually abused her during the 1990s on a number of occasions from the age of eight and denied a suggestion by defence counsel Joanne Eley that she wasn’t telling the truth about the allegations.

Grant, who now lives in Stretham Road, Wilburton, Ely, has denied 10 offences of indecent assault and three of indecency with a child in respect of one of the alleged victims between 1995 and 1999 when she was aged between eight and 12 and one offence of indecent assault in relation to another girl between 1989 and 1991 when she was six or seven.

Grant has also denied attempted rape, indecency with a child and two offences of indecent assault on a third alleged victim between 1990 and 1996 when she was aged between five and ten.

Stephen Rose, prosecuting, said Grant lived alone and young children living in the area near him in Bury St Edmunds knew his door was always open and treats were on offer.

Following his arrest Grant denied the allegations.

The trial continues.