Judge summing up in trial of market trader accused of multiple sex attacks

Charles Morgan (47), of Midland Road, Rotherham, has been on trial at Sheffield Crown Court since February 19 and denies 21 sex offences, including rape, alleged to have been committed between 1989 and 2016.

Morgan faces allegations by three men, one woman and two boys, none of whom can be named for legal reasons.

One complainant, a 39-year-old man, claims Morgan sexually assaulted him dozens of times when he was a teenager.

Summing up the case today (Friday) Judge Roger Thomas QC, said one of the alleged victims was an autistic boy.

Judge Thomas told jurors: “In each interview, Charles Morgan said to the police that he never had any interest in homosexual behaviour in relation to adults or young boys.”

Morgan claims his accusers were people who would concoct stories against him and lie, Judge Thomas said.

A jury of six men and six women will retire to consider its verdict after the judge has finished summing up the evidence.

Police began investigating Morgan in 2016, after complaints by one man. Others contacted later to say they too were victims.