THE BOSS of a man accused of sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl has spoken out to defend his employee.

Father-of-two Daryl D'Cruz, 62, denies two counts of sexual assault against the teenager while repairing a wheelchair at her Shoebury home.

The grandfather, of Linnett Drive, Chelmsford, is alleged to have kissed her and stroked her leg in June last year as well as taking a picture of her.

The girl's mother rang D'Cruz's company, DGT Services, in Chelmsford, and complained to the operational manager, Brian Tann.

Mr Tann told Basildon Crown Court yesterday: "I think Daryl was just being friendly.

"But it was stupid of him to kiss her. In this day and age, you shouldn't peck someone on the cheek."

He said there was no indication from the mother at that point about the allegation that D'Cruz caressed the girl's leg.

D'Cruz claims that the kiss was an innocent peck on the cheek and he took the photo to help the girl find work in the care industry.

The trial continues.