A TAXI driver accused of a sex assault on a passenger claimed she was the instigator of the incident.

David Green, 26, is said to have carried out the act as he pulled up outside the 49-year-old's home in Shildon, late on August 12 last year.

Durham Crown Court heard he picked her up at 11.30pm, after she had been out celebrating a former work colleague's 50th birthday at a restaurant and pub in Darlington town centre.

The alleged victim said that as the taxi stopped outside her house, Mr Green grabbed her hand and tried to pull it towards his exposed private parts.

When she realised what he was doing she said she pulled free and threw some money at him, before getting out and dashing towards her house.

She said that she said nothing about the incident until the following day when she sent a text message to her friend who had booked the taxi, telling her not to use the firm again.

When her friend inquired why she said it should be reported. Mr Green was arrested.

The court heard that in interview, he claimed the woman had leaned over and kissed him at the end of the journey before placing her hand on his groin area.

Mr Green, of Hundens Lane, Darlington, who denies sexual assault, later repeated the claim in evidence.

The trial continues.