A JURY has retired to consider whether a pensioner raped and sexually abused a child in Worcester in the 1970s.

The jury of seven women and five men retired to consider its verdict in the trial of Michael Daniel at Worcester Crown Court this afternoon.

The 67-year-old grandfather denies a rape, six indecent assaults and two counts of gross indecency between August 1969 and August 1973.

The retired defendant, now of Newtown Road, Worcester, was then living in Drake Avenue, Dines Green and later in Henry Street, Barbourne.

The complainant, then aged between eight and 12, and the defendant were called as witnesses during the trial which began on Monday.

The complainant contacted the police about the alleged abuse in February 2016 but had told others including health professionals about her claims in 1983, 1991, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2005 , 2007 and 2011.

She said the abuse took place in a bed and in his car, including an indecent assault in his Hillman Imp on a dead end track off Oldbury Road known locally as 'Co-op Lane'.

Jason Aris, for Daniel, said in his closing statements that the complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was simply not credible or consistent and described her account as 'forced' and 'a bit too dramatic'.

He said: "Didn't it all seem to be a bit of a show that was put on?"

Daniel has a previous conviction from 1974 for burglary with intent to commit rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a woman for which he was jailed for 30 months. The complainant said she had not known about this until she came to court and was told about it by prosecutor, Simon Phillips.The complainant said she knew Daniel had been in trouble but not what for.

It was also said by another witness that Daniel had made advances to her in 1973 and crept into her room.

Mr Aris said the jury should consider why the complainant had not told police about all the allegations when first interviewed by police. She said under cross-examination that when making her victim personal statement it had triggered further flashbacks which did not necessarily occur in order but were 'unwelcome intrusions'.

The jury will continue its deliberations tomorrow.