Schoolgirl rape was ‘our secret’

AN INFATUATED young girl was raped and sexually assaulted by a boyfriend she thought she was in love with, a court has been told.

The child, described as particularly vulnerable, had a brief relationship with Jack Farnworth during which she had full sex with him.

Alaric Bassano prosecuting, told a jury at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court that she had been flattered by the attentions of the older man, but came to realise there was a side to his character she did not like.

He quickly became jealous and possessive, aggressive and angry, often accusing her of seeing other boys.

Farnworth of Higginshaw Lane, Royton, then began to force his attentions on her, demanding that she indulge in sex acts she was not willing to do.

She was told it was their secret, and at first told no one of what was going on.

It was only after she spoke to a schoolteacher that the police were informed and a full investigation carried out.

The jury was told that it was the Crown's case that Farnworth now 20, had known full well that the girl was underage at the time the offences were committed.

Farnworth has pleaded not guilty to 15 counts: six of rape, eight of sexual activity with a child under 16, and one of assault by penetration.

(Proceeding)