A MAN accused of rape and indecent assault told a court that he doted on his alleged victim and was protective of her.

Mark Stanford denied sexually abusing the woman, while describing how he had been mistreated by his violent step-father.

The 32-year-old, who said he was the director of a pub chain company, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and two of indecent assault dating back to the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The offences are alleged to have happened when the complainant, now an adult, was a young girl.

She had since slashed her wrists, the trial at Teesside Crown Court has heard.

Yesterday, Mr Stanford, formerly of Darlington, but now of Ovenden Way, Halifax, denied carrying out the attacks when he gave evidence in his own defence.

Asked by his barrister, Sophie Drake, if he had sexually abused the complainant, he replied: "Never."

Mr Stanford had earlier listened intently as the prosecution witnesses gave evidence, appearing to make notes in the dock. The trial is expected to finish later today.