A 53-YEAR-OLD man accused of raping a 12-year-old boy told a jury he gave him money because he felt guilty he had not seen him since Christmas.
Michael Barsky, of Higher Lane, Whitefield, denies two charges of raping the boy in January.
He took the stand at Bolton Crown Court yesterday as the defence outlined its case.
Barsky, who is married and has three children, said he went to the boy's house unannounced on the day the allegation was made and gave him £10 - but it was because he wanted to make an effort to see him.
The prosecution claims that Barsky, who runs a furniture company, offered the boy money to keep quiet but Barsky denied this was true.
He told the jury he used the toilet while he was at the house and dried his hands on a towel, but nothing sexual took place.
Barsky was remanded on conditional bail. The defence will continue.
Proceeding
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