A SCHOOLGIRL was allegedly raped by a man who pulled her into a garden -- and later offered her £20, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The 13-year-old, who should have been babysitting, made a complaint of rape later that day, the jury was told.

Her alleged attacker, Michael Stoiles, 23, of Accrington Road, Burnley, denies rape and an alternative allegation of sexual intercourse with a girl under 16, last August.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, told the court the girl was sitting outside a children's home with friends.

Stoiles was walking down the road with a friend to a pub, and had been out in pubs in Burnley in the day and evening.

There was a "brief exchange" between the two groups and when the two men had had a drink there was further conversation on their way back.

Stoiles and the girl went down a side street. At first, the alleged victim claimed she had been dragged, but later said they had been kissing.

Mr Lamberty said Stoiles pulled the girl into a garden, where the alleged offence took place. He said: "We say he had forcible sexual intercourse with her on the ground in the garden.

"She says she got the defendant off her by pushing him away. The defendant slapped her across the face and she kicked him. A witness heard a girl sobbing and Stoiles was abusive to him."

It was alleged Stoiles later offered the girl £20 for what had gone on.

Another witness heard a girl screaming, followed by running footsteps.

Mr Lamberty said when the girl reached the home where she had been baby-sitting, she was crying and upset.

Her mother gave her a "ticking off" when she found out the girl had been out.

After the girl made the rape allegation, she was medically examined.

When Stoiles was arrested at his home, he denied any rape allegation.

He said after some foreplay, he and the girl had consensual intercourse.

He had even made an arrangement to meet her the following evening.

(Proceeding)

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