A WINWICK man has gone on trial accused of allegedly raping two girls and sexually abusing another.

Patrick Desmond O’Sullivan, aged 67, denies 20 offences including rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, and sexual activity with a child.

Warrington Crown Court heard on Monday how O’Sullivan, of Myddleton Lane, is also accused of twice raping an adult woman after he took a ‘special interest’ in her.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Opening the case, prosecutor Myles Wilson said the alleged child victims were aged between 11 and 15 when the reported abuse took place.

Offences were claimed to have happened between March 1999 and December 2012 in Warrington, the court heard.

The court heard the alleged abuse came to light after one victim told friends at school during Christmas time in 2012.

During a police interview O’Sullivan denied having sex with any of the alleged victims, but the prosecution will argue there is DNA evidence to prove otherwise.

Mr Wilson said O’Sullivan has previous convictions for sex offences against another young girl, adding it is ‘part of his make-up’.

Simon Christie will defend O’Sullivan during the trial, which continues this week at Warrington Crown Court.