The jury in the trial of a former Bury St Edmunds man accused of sexually assaulting three schoolgirls is expected to retire to consider its verdicts tomorrow.

Before Ipswich Crown Court is Stephen Grant, 60, of Stretham Road, Wilburton, Ely, who denies seven 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.

He also denies indecently assaulting another girl aged six or seven between 1989 and 1991 and attempted rape, indecency with a child and two offences of indecent assault in relation to a third alleged victim between 1990 and 1996 when she was aged between five and 10.

Giving evidence during his trial Grant dismissed the allegations as “pure madness and fantasy” .

He denied having any sexual interest in the three girls who regularly visited his former home in Hodson Close, Bury St Edmunds in the 1990s.

The court heard that 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.