A Suffolk mechanic accused of sexually assaulting a teenager has admitted “playfully” tweaking one of her nipples over her clothing while they were messing around.

Giving evidence during his trial at Ipswich Crown Court, Ross Leeks said the girl had done something similar to him and when he retaliated she had been good humoured about it and had “whacked” him.

He denied finding the girl attractive and said there was no sexual motivation for what he did.

He admitted touching her breast inappropriately on another occasion while he was trying to stand up, but denied touching her between the legs.

Leeks, 39, of Hillside, Combs Ford, has denied three offences of sexual assault and one offence of sexual activity with a child.

In a video recorded interview played to the court the alleged victim described being “frozen with fear” when she was allegedly sexually assaulted by Leeks.

Cross-examined by prosecution counsel, Claire Matthews, Leeks said the girl had misinterpreted the touching of her breast and was lying about him touching her between the legs.

The trial continues.