"I Never Touched Him" Says Ex-Coach Accused Of Sleepover Gropes

An ex-football coach, accused of molesting a young boy during sleepovers four decades ago, has told a jury: “I never touched him physically at all.”

Former delivery driver David Hinman, 70, of Poplar Close, Downham Market, Norfolk insisted: “It absolutely did not take place.”

Inner London Crown Court has heard Hinman allegedly kissed the youngster on his neck and groped him between the legs on two occasions while sharing his single bed at his former Peckham Rye flat.

The boy was aged between eleven and fourteen years-old and played for the Camberwell Lions when he says he was molested by the defendant.

Hinman has pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecently assaulting the boy, now aged 48 years-old, between 1981 and 1985.

Recalling coaching the youngster he told the court: “He was talented, but greedy and that caused a lot of problems within the team.

“He was selfish and wouldn’t pass the ball and I would have to tell him there were other boys in the team.”

Hinman admits they did share his bed once after returning to south London in the early hours after a holiday to Majorca, which included the boy’s brother.

“Once we got home the camp bed was set up and I said to the boys: ‘You sleep in my bed and I’ll sleep on the camp bed.’

“He retorted: ‘I’m not sleeping with that fat tramp,’ so we shared my bed.”

Hinman conceded there was one awkward moment during the trip. “On the holiday I inadvertently went to the bathroom and saw him naked.”

He also denied exposing himself and asking the youngster if he wanted to try some aftershave while getting ready for one of his DJ gigs.

“It definitely did not happen. The bathroom had a door on it and the bedroom had a door on it.”

Hinman told police during questioning the allegations were “malicious” and said today: “I made the assumption he was trying to make financial gain from criminal damages.”

When the boy stopped playing football Hinman visited his family home. “They said he said I had touched him, kissed him on the neck and touched his bum.

“I assured that mother it had not happened and said he must have been dreaming.”

Trial continues……….