A MAN has told a jury he did not sexually abuse a boy during a Lakes camping holiday.
It is alleged Richard William Philpotts, 63, molested the male near Windermere during a 1990s trip he made with three boys.
Philpotts denies charges which allege indecent assault on the boy, and indecency; and further allegations of a further sexual offence and an attempted sex crime.
All are said by the complainant – now an adult – to have occurred during a Lakes trip which lasted several days.
Giving evidence today (WED), Philpotts – a former RAF corporal and scout master – spoke about that holiday.
However, he insisted it lasted only “one night” – due to him being recalled for work – and maintained the boys stayed in separate tents.
“Who slept in your tent?” asked Mr Shaw.
“Me,” replied Philpotts.
“Anybody else sleep in your tent?” Mr Shaw asked.
“No,” Philpotts replied.
Mr Shaw continued: “Did you assault any of these three boys during the camping trip?”
Philpotts, of Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk, responded: “No.”
The trial continues.