A MAN yesterday denied blackmailing an antiques dealer by threatening to expose him as a paedophile unless he handed over cash.

Mark Tarbitt, 42, told Newcastle Crown Court he was targeted by Michael Murphy, 26, and David McCafferty, 35, after selling what was thought to be a cheap vase for £140,000.

The blue and white Chinese porcelain piece turned out to be from the 1700s, and was bought at auction in London.

Mr Tarbitt said Mr Murphy and Mr McCafferty threatened to brand him a paedophile and smash up his stalls while following him to fairs across the country.

Prosecutors say the pair hatched the £20,000 blackmail scam to get their hands on some of Mr Tarbitt's profit.

But Mr Murphy told the jury that from the age of 11 until he was about 15, he was sexually abused by Mr Tarbitt and continued having contact with him after it stopped.

Mr Murphy said he would regularly go shoplifting and sell on his stolen goods to Mr Tarbitt.

But he told the court how Mr Tarbitt would even hand over cash when he had no stolen goods to exchange.

Mr Tarbitt dismissed the sex abuse claims last week but admitted buying stolen items from Mr Murphy in the past.

Mr Murphy, of North King Street, North Shields, and Mr McCafferty, of Lawe Road, South Shields, deny five charges of blackmail. The trial continues.