A man charged with sexually abusing two children reportedly took advantage of their innocence, a court has heard.

Oliver Cosh, from Wensum Crescent in Bicester, is standing trial at Oxford Crown Court.

The 36-year-old defendant has denied all seven charges against him.

He faces three counts of sexual assault against a child aged eight in Bicester occurring between August 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020.

Three further charges relate to sexual assault against a girl aged between ten and eleven during the same period.

He also faces a single charge of encouraging that ten-to-eleven-year-old to engage in sexual activity.

During earlier stages of the case, Cosh gave evidence in the witness box.

His barrister, David Wood, put the allegations to him, which Cosh denied.

When asked about physical contact, Cosh described it as play-fighting and general messing about.

Cosh insisted there was no improper touching.

On Wednesday, April 29, counsel presented their closing statements to the jury.

James Clifford, for the Crown, said the two children had attempted to disclose the truth. They reported what happened to their school teachers.

They had been told that speaking out would result in harm coming to their mother or to themselves. Someone is lying to you. Who?

The jury may consider he was fully able to carry out those threats. The incidents were all brief.

The consequences have lasted far longer than those moments. It is something they will carry forever.

If they wanted to get Mr Cosh into trouble, why would they report it straight away? Police were not contacted until 2024.

Why would they invent this story all these years later? They were so young and innocent.

Mr Cosh exploited that vulnerability when he sexually abused them.

Mr Wood for the defence said some allegations of sexual abuse are truthful and some are not. Jurors must set aside personal feelings.

Mr Cosh does not need to prove he is innocent. The jury must be sure of his guilt.

The defence argues the prosecution’s evidence contradicts their version of events. He has been thoroughly examined and found not guilty.

The jury had previously heard that one alleged incident took place at a Halloween party.

The court was informed that Cosh allegedly took the younger child into another room at a pub and told her to take off her top.

Mr Clifford said he touched her chest.

The court heard the child described feeling disgusted.

The trial continues.