A 74-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court accused of sexually abusing a schoolgirl over a four-year period when she was aged between nine and 12.

Edwin Reay, of Links Close, Lowestoft, has denied engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, raping the girl orally and nine offences of sexual assault.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2005 and 2009.

Prosecutor Greg Perrins told Ipswich Crown Court on Monday that the offences came to light after the alleged victim wrote down in a letter to her parents what Reay had allegedly done to her.

The police were contacted and when the girl was interviewed about the allegations she said one of the offences allegedly took place in his garden shed after he had locked the door.

Mr Perrins said Reay allegedly told the girl he would buy her something nice if she did as he asked.

After his arrest, Reay 'flatly denied' the allegations and said nothing inappropriate or sexual had taken place with the girl.

The trial continues today (Tuesday).