An Oxford man has gone on trial accused of indecently assaulting a girl under 14.

Paul Baker, 41, pictured, of Asquith Road, Rose Hill, denies four charges of indecent assault. The assaults are all alleged to have happened between January 1 and July 1, 2003. The victim cannot be named for legal reasons.

Kate Mallinson, prosecuting, said: "Mr Baker is accused of four allegations of indecent assault. In other words, touchings which are indecent. Because of the girl's age, she could not have consented in law. Therefore, consent is not an issue in this case.

"What is going to be argued is whether these matters ever happened at all.

"You have to consider four allegations and your verdicts don't have to be the same throughout."

Miss Mallinson told the jury Baker asked his victim to wash his armpits and private parts during some of the alleged incidents. She said Baker also assaulted the girl when she was in bed and also got her to perform a sex act on him.

A video recording, showing a social worker asking the girl about the incidents, was shown to the jury. The trial continues.