Girl 'scared' when kissed and hugged by Newport man, court told
An alleged victim told a court she was "scared" and "intimidated" by a Newport man who "inappropriately kissed and hugged" her when she was a young girl.
She told the jury at Shrewsbury Crown Court she was "hugged for inappropriate lengths of time", "kissed" and made to feel "very uncomfortable" by Ronald Charles Price , 78, of Wenlock Drive, when she was around 13 and 14 years old.
Price faces 11 charges, including five counts of rape on a girl under 13, one charge of kidnapping a teenager and sexual activity with a child under 13.
He denies all the charges.
Price stands accused at Shrewsbury Crown Court of abusing three girls, all in separate incidents.
Yesterday, a second alleged victim took to the witness stand.
The court heard how Price had previously been warned by police to stay away from the girl. Her parents called officers when Price left a voicemail on her phone asking to meet her after school.
The alleged victim said: "I was scared and uncomfortable.
"He would kiss me on forehead and on the cheek. He would hug me tightly for inappropriate lengths of time.
"He asked me to put my phone number in his phone. I felt really scared and really intimidated."
She also added that Price gave her money and called himself "Ronaldo" on a voicemail he left on her phone, the court was told.
Another victim, who was allegedly abused by Price, was 10 or 11 years old when the offences were said to have taken place.
Prosecutor Mr Glynn Samuel said the girl's parents became suspicious after they intercepted a text message Price had sent to her at around midnight.
Her father traced the number and called, with Price answering, who was then told to keep away from the girl, Mr Samuel said.
Mr Samuel said a third girl became the focus of Price's intentions while working at a bar.
Mr Samuel said the girl agreed to meet Price for coffee on September 6, 2010, but he instead persuaded her to get into his car and then drove her to a hotel in Much Wenlock.
The court heard how the alleged victim was "very worried" and at one point passed a note to reception staff asking them to call someone to help her.
When interviewed by police Price, of Wenlock Drive, Newport, allegedly told them he was "just a nice friendly old man who is misunderstood".
The trial continues.
