Newport rape trial pensioner 'a fool for being friendly'

Ronald Charles Price faces 11 charges, including six counts of rape on a girl under 13, and one charge of kidnap – all of which he denies.

Appearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday he told the jury he had never had any sexual contact with any of the girls.

He said: "There has been no sexual contact with any of these girls, ever.

"I am a gentleman, I would never do it. I have a very good character, I have been in the Rotary Club 25 years and the chamber of commerce.

"I am a decent man. But I am a fool for being too friendly in this case. I have always been friendly but it doesn't seem to have done me any good in this case."

Price, 78, of Wenlock Drive, Newport, was yesterday giving evidence and was questioned by his barrister Simon Rogers.

The jury had previously been told the first girl was 10 or 11 when the abuse took place.

But Price yesterday said he had not been alone with the girl and denied any sexual contact.

A second girl said Price had hugged and kissed her in an inappropriate manner.

Mr Rogers asked Price if he had ever hugged the girl. He said: "I think once I gave her a friendly hug on the shoulders."

Mr Rogers asked what the purpose had been. Price replied: "Just a greeting, no more no less."

He added he may have kissed her on the head but Price insisted there was nothing "sinister" about it.

The court also heard that Price had been in contact with a third girl while she worked at a bar.

Price told the jury he had talked to her about her "ambitions" and offered to help her get into the film industry using contacts he had while working on a film in London.

He said they had exchanged phone numbers so she could meet him in London but when that did not happen the pair had later agreed to have lunch to talk.

They went to a hotel in Much Wenlock where Price said he hoped to take her for lunch, but the girl received a message from her work saying she was needed.

Price said: "She just said she had a message that she was needed so we turned around and took her back."

Mr Rogers said: "She suggested that you took a great deal of persuading to turn around."

Price replied: "No. It was a narrow lane so I had to be careful but I didn't persist.

"I said it was a shame but we could meet again."

The trial continues.