Radio DJ Barry Bethell "put hand in my knickers", claims 12-year-old girl
A 12-YEAR-old girl has told a court how a former radio DJ gave her a cuddle and put his hand in her knickers.
She was giving evidence via a video link at the trial of Barry Bethell, accused of 15 counts of child sex offences.
They range from sexual assault to downloading child porn. He denies the charges.
The schoolgirl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was invited into his Seasalter home after he heard her singing.
"He used to squeeze my bottom and kissed me on the lips which made me feel awkward," she said.
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"He would sit behind me while I did breathing exercises. He said would improve my singing."
It is during these 'exercises' that Bethell is alleged to have put his hand in her underwear on at least 10 separate occasions.
"When I'd just started wearing a bra he hugged me and could feel the strap under my top," she said.
"He asked me to show him and I said no but he asked again.
"I was worried that he would get angry and was aware I was in his home so I pulled up my top."
Bethell is accused of grooming four girls - luring them with the use of his home music recording studio at Kimberley Grove.
"He offered to photograph them for modelling and put the girls in erotic poses, remove clothing, stand and lie in particular positions, exposing private parts," prosecutor Tanya Robinson told Canterbury Crown Court.
He also bought the girls expensive gifts including laptop computers and i-pods - "as a bribe," one alleged victim claimed.
Bethell, who was also the face of slimming product Slim Fast on TV ads, has already pleaded guilty to eight other sex abuse charges which include taking indecent pictures - one of a young girl simulating oral sex with a Peperami sausage.
Police also recovered 32 images from his home computer downloaded from child porn websites Cute Angels and Hot Lolita Models.
Bethell was arrested in early February after the alleged victims confided in a baby sitter.
The trial continues.
This is Kent