A 27-YEAR-OLD man twice had sex with a 13 year-old-girl after claiming he was in love with her, a jury heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told how Christopher Garnett was seen kissing the schoolgirl passionately, showered her with gifts and turned up at a house where she was babysitting armed with drink. He stayed the night and they had intercourse.

It is alleged the defendant told his workfriends the victim was 17 when he knew all along she was only 13. He later told police they were like brother and sister and nothing had happened.

Judith McCullough, prosecuting, told the court: "He knowingly became involved with a girl who is little more than a child."

Garnett, now 28, of Brunswick Street, Nelson, pleads not guilty to two charges of unlawful sexual intercourse, between August and September last year.

Miss McCullough told the jury the girl believed she was in love with the defendant and that he was in love with her.

The pair met at a party last August and were soon regularly in contact by mobile phone and text message. The defendant and the 13-year-old began to see each other and the victim was the one worried about the age gap.

Miss McCullough said Garnett told the girl how much he loved her and that made her very happy. He would buy her presents and pick her up in his car.

The prosecutor said the 13-year-old would babysit for friends, often with a friend the same age. One of the mothers lived in Nelson and the two girls went round to look after her children.

At about 10pm the defendant arrived, bringing alcohol with him. All three then had drink. Later the defendant took the victim upstairs and they had sexual intercourse.

Miss McCullough said about a week later, Garnett and the girl had sex at another property in Nelson. The prosecutor said adults were worried about the obvious age gap and threatened to tell her mother. When the girl's sister found out police were called in.

(Proceeding)