A BARRISTER has called an alleged victim of child abuse is a “walking infection”.
Michael Maher, defending James McLaughlin, of Beverley Road, Heaton , said the 13-year-old boy, who is one of four boys to make complaints of being abused, had heard rumours the defendant was a sex offender.
Bolton Crown Court heard McLaughlin had been fined £80 for indecently assaulting a boy in 1985.
McLaughlin denies two counts of sexual activity with a child, one charge of attempted sexual activity with a child and a fourth count of sexual assaulting a child.
The offences are alleged to have happened between September, 2009, and May, 2011.
The case continues.
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