A LORRY driver has gone on trial accused of sexually abusing six girls over a 13-year period.

Melvin McFadden, of South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is said to have befriended the youngsters, raping one and carrying out a string of indecent assaults on the others.

Teesside Crown Court was told how the 54-year-old offered the complainants cash in return for sexual favours.

A number of the attacks allegedly took place when Mr McFadden took the girls for rides in his heavy goods lorry or in his car, sometimes getting them to sit on his lap.

On the first day of his trial, Deborah Sherwin, prosecuting, detailed a series of allegations against the defendant dating between 1989 and November 2002.

Miss Sherwin said that one of the alleged victims, who was nine when the abuse allegedly started, was offered £20 by Mr McFadden to show her private parts to him.

The court heard how Mr McFadden was initially arrested and interviewed by police in July 2001, following a complaint from one of the girls after she stayed at his home.

He denied any inappropriate behaviour and no action was taken at that stage.

Later, after more allegations came to light, Mr McFadden told police that two of the girls had a vendetta against him and said their claims had been made up.

Of the girl he is accused of raping, he said: "She has always been a little liar."

Mr McFadden pleads not guilty to eight counts of indecent assault, one of rape, and four of gross indecency with a child under 16.

The trial, which is expected to last between two and three weeks, continues today.