A woman told a jury how she was raped in woodland in Oxford when she was as young as seven by a man who subjected her to months of sexual abuse.

James Boyce, 51, of Cowley, Oxford, went on trial at Oxford Crown Court on April 28, accused of a string of offences relating to young girls.

He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecency with a child, two charges of raping a female under the age of sixteen, four counts of indecent assault and one of having sexual intercourse with an underage girl.

The charges, which relate to four girls, were allegedly committed between 1986 and 1997.

At a previous hearing, Boyce admitted two counts of indecently assaulting two of the girls.

Robert Hill, prosecuting, said all the alleged victims were of pre-pubescent age between seven and 10.

He said that Boyce committed a series of offences spanning several months against one girl.

One alleged victim, who gave evidence in court yesterday, said the first indecent assault happened when she was seven or eight.

She said: "I felt uncomfortable and I was scared."

She said Boyce told her it was "their secret".

She said soon after the first incident he raped her in woodland, and had penetrative sex with her on two other occasions -- all when she was still seven or eight.

The witness described how the incidents left her feeling uncomfortable and frightened.

She said at the same time he was assaulting her, he bought her sweets and gave her presents.

The trial is due to continue.