Michael Souter trial: Ex-BBC Norfolk DJ accused of giving teenager alcohol before molesting him

Alleged victim said he met broadcaster after starting casual job at the corporation in Norwich

Ex-BBC Norfolk broadcaster Michael Souter denies 19 sex offences (PA)

A man who worked at the BBC as a teenager has told a court that a DJ gave him alcohol before molesting him.

The alleged victim said he met ex-BBC Norfolk broadcaster Michael Souter after starting a casual job at the corporation in Norwich.

The witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told Norwich Crown Court he began doing odd jobs at Souter's home, where he claims he was abused.

Souter, 60, of Loddon, Norfolk, denies 19 sex offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child and serious sexual offences, against seven boys aged between 11 and 16. The allegations date from between 1979 and 1999.

The witness said that his job, which lasted for about six months, involved helping DJs and sometimes travelling with them in a radio car with them.

He said: "I sometimes did odd jobs for Mike, like cleaning his car at his house.

"On one occasion he offered me and a friend a beer and we accepted - it was the first time I had drank alcohol.

"I felt dizzy and the room was spinning.

"I was feeling unwell and he took me upstairs to lie down.

"When I woke up, I was in a bit of a shock. My trousers were down and Mike had his hand on me.

"He said 'Calm down, it's all right, don't worry'."

Jurors heard the man left his job at the BBC soon after and never returned to Souter's house.

He said he did not tell anybody about the abuse because, as a teenage boy, he did not want to be labelled as gay.

It was not until he was approached by police in 2011 that he spoke about the abuse.

"At first, I didn't remember who Mike Souter was," he said.

"They told me he worked at Radio Norfolk and asked if he had ever touched me, that was what jogged my memory.

"I've never discussed what happened with anybody else."

Asked by defence barrister Andrew Hill if he had a false memory or had made up the incident, the man said: "No, not at all."

As well as presenting various BBC Norfolk radio shows, Souter was involved in the Scout movement and volunteered as youth mentor for the county's social services department.

Originally from Scotland, he worked as a producer and presenter in both commercial and BBC radio since the mid-1970s. He had previously presented for Radio Clyde.

Since 1989 he has worked as a freelance broadcaster and runs a media relations consultancy.

Prosecutor Andrew Shaw has told the court Souter used his status as a local celebrity to meet and abuse young boys, many of whom were vulnerable.

Souter claims he has been the victim of a conspiracy. He denies he was attracted to young boys and claims none of the incidents happened.

The trial is expected to last six weeks.

PA