A CARE worker had sex with a 14-year-old disabled girl he was entrusted to look after, a court heard yesterday.

Jamie Craggs, 23, worked at a North-East residential home when he preyed on the vulnerable youngster, who suffers from a muscle-wasting disease and needs round-the-clock care.

Teesside Crown Court heard the 23-year-old had sexual relations with the victim, who cannot be identified, for about a year.

David Brooke, prosecuting, said the police were called after a care worker at the home in Hartlepool where the girl was staying found semen on the teenager's bed.

The youngster had gone to the home in August 2003 because her mother was struggling to cope with her condition. Mr Brooke said: "She was in a very vulnerable situation and needing constant care. There was a number of staff looking after her."

At the time of the offences, Craggs, of Jesmond Gardens, Hartlepool, had a girlfriend and a small child, and was a carer at the home where the girl was staying.

Mr Brooke said: "He was one of those entrusted with her care. Despite that fact, the allegation is that the defendant preyed on her vulnerability and went on to begin what he calls a relationship with her when she was 14.

"The prosecution accepts she went along with it. She was 14 and no doubt flattered but confused about what was going on.

"She did try and tell a friend at one point but he did not believe her."

The prosecution alleged Craggs exploited the situation and the position of trust he was in.

The court heard that the defendant was arrested in March last year after he was confronted by another worker about what was going on.

When asked if he had touched the victim, he allegedly replied: "You are joking? This could end my career."

Craggs admits sexually touching the girl but denies having sex with her and told police the victim had asked him to do it but he would not.

He has pleaded guilty to three sample counts of sexual activity with a child but denies three other counts of sexual activity.

A court order has been made banning the identification of the care home.

The trial continues.