A WOTTON-under-Edge man denied from the witness box yesterday that he had sexually abused his six–year-old grandson – claiming he was rarely ever alone with him.

The grandfather has pleaded not guilty at Gloucester Crown Court to four charges of sexual assault of the boy between October 2016 and September 2018.

The 66-year-old told jurors: “I was very rarely alone with him.

"I took him to watch football matches, and that was about it.

“Nothing happened like the child described.

"I was stunned when the police told me of the allegations.

“My grandson is not a liar that I know of.

"That’s why I can’t understand this pack of lies because he is the best grandson you could ever wish for.

“He’s come forward and said these things happened, but I don’t know why, as they didn’t.

“I’d be speculating if I suggested anybody might have put him up to this.

"I definitely have not taken advantage of him.”

The trial continues today (Thurs).