IPSWICH: A vulnerable man with learning difficulties has denied making up allegations that he was sexually abused by an Ipswich man.

Giving evidence on the second day of the trial of Phillipe Roberts at Ipswich Crown Court, the 22-year-old denied a suggestion that someone else had told him to “say things” about 42-year-old Roberts.

The alleged victim, who cannot be identified, claimed that Roberts had indecently assaulted him during a visit to the flat and had then indecently touched him and a friend when they visited Roberts together.

He alleged all three of them had been sitting on a sofa when Roberts had undone his friend’s trousers and performed a sex act on him before doing the same thing to him.

The witness, who gave his evidence via a TV link, claimed he and his friend had both told Roberts they had girlfriends and to “back off” but Roberts had taken no notice of them.

Questioned by defence counsel Matthew McNiff, he denied a suggestion that someone had told him to “say things” about Roberts that weren’t true.

Roberts, of Austin Street, Ipswich, has denied three offences of sexual assault on the man and a further three offences of sexual assault and two of rape on his friend.

The court has heard that after his arrest Roberts denied having any sexual contact with the first man and claimed that any sexual activity with the second man had been consensual.

The trial continues today.