Ex-rock factory worker from Blackpool denies child sex abuse

Retired rock factory businessman Derek Jessop, denies 10 counts of indecent assault, three counts of rape and one count of attempted rape of young girls between 1961 and 2002.

The 75-year old, of Regent Road East, Blackpool, is deaf and had to use headphones during his trial at Preston Crown Court.

It is alleged the abuse against one girl happened in a caravan he is said to have owned. Defending, Richard Archer – cross-examining him – asked: “Did you ever have a caravan.”

He replied: “No, we have rented them.”

Mr Archer added: “There’s been reference to the Cala Gran caravan park. Did you ever have a caravan on that site?”

Jessop said: “Never.”

The barrister asked if he understood the “significance” was that the site is where a girl alleges he sexually assaulted her, and said: “Did you ever assault her, either in a caravan or anywhere else?”

He replied: “No”.

He also denied having a sexual interest in the complainants, and being ‘touchy feely in an inappropriate way’.

Jessop’s ex-wife Lesley Jessop, 64, also stands accused of sex crimes against children.

His current wife, Melee Kadram, 40, denies five counts of indecency with a child and one count of indecent assault.

(Proceeding)