Man accused of raping girl on train says allegations are 'disgusting'

Daniel Russell, 38, has been accused of two counts of rape against the girl - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - in toilets on trains between Ely and Norwich and Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

Norwich Crown Court has heard the alleged offences against the girl happened on journeys between November 28, 2015, and January 20, 2021.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) He has also pleaded not guilty to causing a child to watch a sexual act and making indecent images of children.

Giving evidence on Tuesday, Russell, told defence barrister Andrew Oliver the allegations made against him were "disgusting" and made him feel "sick to my stomach".

Asked about when he went to the toilet on the train journeys, Russell said if the girl needed the toilet he would take her in and lock the door.

Russell said he helped her get her underwear down and put her on the toilet so "she didn't fall" but would "stand with my back turned".

Daniel Russell (Image: Submitted) He said he felt "uncomfortable" and "didn't want to stare at her" as he "didn't think she would be comfortable with that".

Russell insisted he did not take out his phone when he was in the toilet on the train with the girl, even to text or go on social media, and denied looking at pornography on the device.

Mr Oliver asked the defendant whether he showed porn to the girl while she was in the toilet.

Russell replied: "Absolutely not."

Mr Oliver asked how Russell felt about the allegations being made against him.

Russell replied: "Sick to my stomach."

The defendant was asked whether he had ever exposed his privates when the girl was in the toilet.

Russell said it "never happened."

He said the girl "never" said anything about "sexual matters" to him while he was in the toilet.

Asked again how he felt about the allegations against him, Russell, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 12 or 13, replied: "Sick to my stomach, its disgusting."

Russell, of Tolhouse Street, Yarmouth, has denied all charges he faces.

The trial continues.