THE former principal of a Worcestershire children's home has dismissed as ''ludicrous'' a complaint that he raped a girl in a bathroom.

A 39-year-old woman told a jury that when she was 14 or 15, she was attacked by Brian Gillam when other residents had gone swimming.

But Gillam insisted it would have been impossible for her to have been left alone at The Uplands, in Green Hill, Blackwell, near Bromsgrove.

He said there were always about 20 children on the premises and five members of staff. It was an old, creaky building and any sounds from a bathroom would have been obvious.

He told police the rape complaint was ''not even worth a comment'' and added in evidence: ''It is such a ludicrous allegation. It could not have happened.''

Gillam, aged 62, denies four counts of rape and six of indecent assault.

A judge at Worcester Crown Court has directed the jury to acquit him of another count of rape, an indecent assault and a charge of indecency with a child.

Relationship

The prosecution claims Gillam abused his position of trust between 1974 and 1983 by molesting girls in his care.

Former staff at the home have told the jury how they became concerned about Gillam's behaviour, including a relationship with one of the teenage residents.

Gillam accepts going out with the girl but denies paying for her two abortions.

He claimed an employee in a senior post had ''a bad reputation'' when he came to work at the home.

The man complained to social services about the home's French trip and Gillam's relationship, which led to him being suspended for nine months.

Gillam denied taking a girl on a caravan weekend, putting his hand up a girl's skirt and trying to undo another's bra strap.

He added: ''I enjoyed my stay at The Uplands. It was the best job I ever had.''

The case continues on Monday