AN 80-YEAR-OLD man has gone on trial accused of sexually abusing a child 50 years ago.

Terence Blackwell, of Castlelaw Crescent, Abernethy, Perth, denies three counts alleging historical child sex offences.

A jury of six men and six women was sworn in as his trial began at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

Outlining the case prosecutor Gabrielle McAvock said the offences took place in the 1970s in Oxford.

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She said they all involved one child victim - who cannot be named for legal reasons.

It was claimed by prosecutors that Blackwell sexually abused the girl on numerous occasions.

The jury was told that the indecent assaults took the form of kissing and sexual touching over clothing.

In an interview the alleged victim - now a woman - gave with police she described one of the assaults as making her feel 'hideous.'

The woman also described Blackwell's actions, the jury was told, as a 'a bit random.'

Prosecutors also said yesterday that Blackwell has already admitted one count of indecency with a child, relating to the same alleged victim, in which he placed her hand on his penis.

Blackwell denies the three counts of indecent assault and the trial continues.