Derbyshire man denies pulling down five-year-old's underwear and sexually assaulting her

It is alleged that Mark Hamilton removed the child’s underwear and touched her between her legs on a number of occasions over a six-month period, Derby Crown Court heard on Monday, March 1.

Prosecuting, Sarah Phelan, told the court that the alleged victim, who is now 18 and cannot be named for legal reasons, made disclosures to a now-ex boyfriend and her parents in 2018 about what she says Hamilton did to her.

The court heard that Hamilton, 28, of Kinder Way, Buxton, was 15 at the time the alleged offences occurred in 2008 and 2009.

“She said that he had sexually touched her in her bedroom, and that he would pull her pants and knickers down and rub her clitoris,” Ms Phelan said.

She said that the child had tried to tell her father what had been going on at the time of the assaults, but that he had “not appreciated the gravity of the situation” and the police were not contacted.

Hamilton denies four counts of sexual activity with a child and the trial is expected to run until later this week.

The jury was shown a video interview of the teenager from two years ago, when she first spoke to police.

In it, she said: “I remember feeling sick and that it was wrong. I didn’t say anything to him because I didn’t know what was happening.”

Defending, Siward James-Moore told the court: “Her recollections are from when she was very young and are largely inaccurate.”

The trial continues.

Editor's message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.