A MAN on trial for allegedly indecently assaulting a boy from the age of six told the child 'it was our secret', a court heard.

Paul Kelly, of Barrow, is on trial for a string of charges which date back to between 1981 and 1990.

The alleged victim told the court how he was made to perform sexual acts on Mr Kelly, who is now 56.

Preston Crown Court heard evidence from the alleged victim, who is given automatic anonymity by law, which claimed Mr Kelly told him it was 'like a game'.

Mr Kelly denies six counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14 and three counts of attempts to incite a boy under the age of 14 into an act of indecency.

Prosecution lawyer Alison Mather opened the proceedings at Preston Crown Court yesterday by playing a video interview with the complainant.

“I did not know it was wrong what he was doing as he made it seem normal, like a game," he said.

“He said not to tell people and it was our secret.

“I did not know any different.

“He got me to perform these acts but I did not know how to do it because I’m not gay and I don’t fancy men.

“He used to get me to touch him.

“He used to touch me but he would get annoyed because I did not like it."

The victim said it happened every couple of days but stopped after someone ‘busted into the room’, separated the two and pushed Mr Kelly down the stairs.

The victim appeared in a separate room in the courthouse via video link to give live evidence and be questioned by counsel.

Defence barrister Ms Rachel Faux opened her line of questioning in regard to his mental health and what he told medical professionals at the age of 16 about the alleged abuse.

When asked if he had ever taken illegal drugs the victim said yes but said he 'had been clean for years' apart from a lapse two years ago when he overdosed in a suicide attempt.

He had previously mentioned how he used drugs to mask the trauma.

Ms Faux also asked him whether he had ever suffered from hallucinations and heard voices that were not real, with one of those voices being Mr Kelly's. The victim said yes and he also heard the voices of others, including another man who he claims abused him.

Ms Faux asked the victim if he was telling the truth to which he replied: 'Yes'.

The trial continues.