Heysham man on trial for historic sex offences against two boys

A man accused of abusing two little boys in the 1970s has taken to the stand to protest his innocence.
Preston Crown Court.  PIC BY ROB LOCKPreston Crown Court.  PIC BY ROB LOCK
Preston Crown Court. PIC BY ROB LOCK

Michael Lyttle, 56, of Norland Drive, Heysham, is on trial at Preston Crown Court where he denies indecent assault, and inciting a boy under 14 to commit gross indecency.

He also denies two counts of indecently assaulting a second boy, and two of inciting him to commit gross indecency,

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lyttle, who walks with the aid of a stick was permitted to sit in the witness stand as he gave evidence.

Defending, Hugh Barton said: “ Is it right over the years you have been in trouble with the police?”

He replied: “Yes.”

Jurors were told in the late 70s, around the time of the alleged offences, he was sent to Borstall for convictions for criminal damage damage and assault. He also has drug convictions from 2009.

Lyttle told jurors he had been disabled since 2002 but before that had worked as a shop fitter and as a French polisher in banks and building societies.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Asked about his illness he said: “ I had been given some antibiotics which caused a reaction and I went from 10.5 stones to what you see now, it left me with some complications and superventricular tachycardia.”

He also revealed he was diagnosed with ADHD and traits of Asperger’s syndrome as a 14-year-old, and kidney problems.

Asked by his lawyer if he had ever “done anything sexual” towards the boys he replied: “ No.”

The judge, Jonathan Gibson, is due to sum up the evidence in the case this afternoon and the jury are expected to be sent out to deliberate their verdicts by the end of the day.

(proceeding)

Related topics: