Norwich Crown Court heard on Tuesday that James Bradford allegedly started abusing a 13-year-old boy after taking him to see Norwich City play.

Mr Bradford, who now lives in Bridgwater, Somerset, denies 11 charges of indecent assault on the boy.

He also denies a charge of indecently assaulting another boy, aged 16.

'Abused position of trust'

The offences are said to have taken place between 1993 and 1998.

The court was told he had plied the first boy with drink and cannabis and abused him while he thought he was asleep.

Christopher Morgan, prosecuting, said: "The defendant worked with children on a part-time basis. Some of his principle work with children was teaching them to play football.

"The Crown says he manipulated that situation and preyed on one of the boys.

"He abused his position of trust. He paid for him to attend matches at Norwich City Football Club and took him away on a number of trips."

The abuse allegedly occurred for four years while the boy was aged between 13 and 17.