An Ipswich man accused of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl around two decades ago dismissed the allegations as “a load of rubbish” following his arrest, a court has heard.

Darren Turpin was interviewed by officers after the alleged victim contacted the police in September 2016 and denied the allegations made by her, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Turpin, 52, of Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, has pleaded not guilty to four offences of indecency with a child and six offences of indecent assault dating back to the mid 1990s.

At the time of the alleged offences, Turpin is said to have told the alleged victim that no-one would believe her if she told anyone what he had done to her, said Gareth Hughes, prosecuting.

She didn’t make any complaint at the time but three or four years ago she began telling relatives and friends what had allegedly happened and she went to the police 18 months ago.

She told police Turpin had touched her indecently and had got her to touch him.

“He told her that if she did it he would give her a choc ice,” said Mr Hughes.

The trial continues.