A 24-year-old man from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, went on trial at Belfast Crown Court yesterday accused of buggering and sexually abusing a schoolboy over a four-year period up to March last year. Mr Patrick Shields denies a total of five charges, including buggery and indecent assault allegedly committed in the boy's home, in Mr Shields's home and at the Greenisland stables, where Mr Shields worked.
Mr Ken McMahon QC, prosecuting, claimed that the abuse started when the boy was 10, but ended when he was 14 after the youngster realised that what was happening was "wrong" and told Mr Shields he was "going to tell".
In interviews with police, Mr Shields denied the allegations, claiming that the boy became abusive towards him after accusing him of not giving him enough attention. Mr Shields admitted lending the boy money. He said that he had stayed at the boy's home on occasions, but had never abused him.
The court was told that the boy became friendly with Mr Shields, despite the eight-year difference in their ages, after meeting him at the Greenisland stables, where his parents kept a horse and pony.
Mr Shields allegedly began abusing the boy in the stables and then in the alleged victim's own home. When the boy was 13, he allegedly had full sex with him.
Mr McMahon claimed that the youngster, although confused and not aware of the full implications of what was happening, began to hate Mr Shields. He also feared that Mr Shields would blame him for what had occurred.
The court was told that Mr Shields bought things for the boy, took him to films and gave him money to play slot machines.
The trial continues today.