A MAN accused of raping an eight-year-old girl told a court he believes she was told to make up the allegation because people had a grudge against him.

Edwin Christopher Shield, 42, made the statement while giving evidence on the second day of his trial at Durham Crown Court.

The court has heard that the girl told police he raped her, then punched her and threatened to hit her again if she told anyone.

A jury heard that the alleged incident happened on Saturday or Sunday, January 29 or 30, in an alleyway.

Mr Shield, of Manor Grove, Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, denies rape and sexually assaulting the girl.

Asked about the allegations, he said: "It is a pack of lies. I think somebody has told her what to say, someone who does not like me. I think someone has a grudge against me."

In cross-examination, prosecutor John Elvidge asked him about witness sightings of him with young girls who asked him for "cuddles", on January 29.

Mr Shield said: "No, I don't think they did."

He said he would not have approached children because he was walking a neighbour's dog that afternoon.

But he did say he liked the company of children because he was lonely.

Mr Elvidge said: "Did your loneliness get the better of you, and you became rather too attracted to this girl?"

Mr Shield denied the allegation.

The jury is expected to retire to consider its verdict today