A YOUNG man is alleged to have sexually abused an underage girl for 10 years, a jury at York Crown Court heard.

Ashley Gordon Thomas, 24, committed some of the abuse when he himself was under age, claimed Nick Adlington, opening the prosecution.

Defence barrister Jason Macadam alleged the abuse never happened and the girl had made up the allegations.

He also claimed Thomas didn’t have the opportunity to commit the offences.

Thomas, of Ascot Way, Acomb, denies three charges of attempted rape, four of sexual assault of a child under 13, three of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, two of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and two of sexual activity with a child.

At the start of the trial, Judge Simon Hickey told the jury the court may take more frequent breaks than normal because Thomas has a short attention span and learning difficulties.

Mr Adlington said the girl made her allegations to the police in September 2016.

Mr Macadam alleged the girl had had chances to make her allegations earlier and had not done so.

The trial continues.