7:00pm Thursday 31st January 2013
By Stuart Arnold
A JUDGE has begun summing up in the case of a man who denies a series of historic sex charges.
Paul Needham, 62, of Hartington Way, Darlington, has pleaded not guilty to six counts of rape, eight counts of indecent assault and eight counts of indecency against a child.
He is on trial at Teesside Crown Court.
As he summed up the case against Mr Needham, Judge Howard Crowson warned the jury against what he called an “emotional reaction” in respect of the charges and also said they should only convict if they were sure the alleged offences happened.
If they were unsure, he said, the defendant should be found not guilty.
The jury is expected to be sent out to consider its verdict tomorrow (Friday, February 1).
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