Ex-Filey mayor David Hudghton, who denies 13 child sex charges, says: 'I haven't lied at all'

The ex-Scarborough borough councillor is charged with 13 counts of abuse including eight counts of sexual assault and five counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 years of age to engage in sexual activity. His trial is at Doncaster Crown Court.

Hudghton, 78, who served the borough and Filey Town Council for many years, is alleged to have abused the youngsters at two properties between October 2017 and December last year.

The jury heard that the married former mayor allegedly told one of the girls to keep the abuse “a secret”.

Prosecutor Richard Woolfall said that as well as sexually assaulting the girls, Hudghton also urged them to touch him on an intimate area.

Under intense cross-examination from Mr Woolfall, Hudghton maintained that he did not have any sexual contact with the children.

“You’ve lied consistently, haven’t you?” said Mr Woolfall.

“No,” replied the veteran former councillor.

Mr Woolfall suggested that Hudghton had “got his kicks” from abusing the youngsters, but the former mayor claimed this was “a lot of rubbish”.

The prosecutor claimed that Hudghton took “every opportunity” to sexually exploit the children, to which Hudghton replied: “I did not get any sexual excitement at all. Never.”

Mr Woolfall said: “That’s what was driving you to (sexually abuse the girls) again and again.”

“No,” replied Hudghton.

When Mr Woolfall said it was clear that someone had sexually abused the youngsters and asked Hudghton why they had accused him, he replied: “I do not know.”

Two people provided character references for Hudghton, including a neighbour who said she was a good friend of Hudghton and his wife.

She said Hudghton had looked out for her and “nothing is too much trouble for him”.

“I could not wish for a better neighbour,” she added.

Another friend said Hudghton, of Wharfedale, Filey, was an “honest, likeable person” who was a keen sports fan.

Mr Woolfall said: “It is the Crown’s case that the defendant is trying to escape what he has done, both in terms of his reputation and in terms of (the punishment that would ensue if he were found guilty).”

One of the girls alleged that Hudghton had been “naughty” to her and that when she told him to stop touching her, he carried on regardless.

“She said she didn’t tell anyone (at the time) because (Hudghton) said it was a secret,” added Mr Woolfall.

One of the girls said she “didn’t want to tell anyone because I thought it was all my fault and I didn’t want to get anyone into trouble”.

Hudghton claims to not remember one of the alleged incidents because he had a bad memory.

The trial continues.