70-year-old accused of historic sex abuse

Norman Duncan denies charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour towards four girls dating as far back as 1968 and up to 1976.

The 70-year-old, of Ladyton Estate, Bonhill, is alleged to have made inappropriate sexual comments, touched the girls on their bodies or attempted to kiss them on the lips, and other details when the girls were aged under 16.

In the case at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week, the jury heard from one of the girls who said she had had flashbacks about what happened to her, having not remembered anything about the abuse until her 30s.

When she did remember, she admitted shock that she could have "forgotten something like this".

The woman, whose identity is protected by law, said: "When I was in the bedroom and he was touching me, I don't know how it ended but I had a sensation of blackness and it's that blackness that's engulfing me, that comes as a flashback. I just know I have experienced it a few times.

"I can only remember the sensations. I have no desire to remember anything else. I don't think I can adequately explain the sensation but it's terrifying."

The woman, under cross examination from defence advocate Owen Mullan, admitted she had been smoking cannabis for around 20 years as well as being treated with medication for mental health issues.

He pressed whether she had any memory of the abuse, or just the "sensation".

The woman insisted she "believed" the abuse took place and whether she "liked" the man or not was irrelevant.

She told the court: "You may think I'm guessing but I'm telling you, I believe. I know what he has done to me so I suppose there's not much good to see."

Mr Mullan asked: "You have no memory of it happening, you just believe it?"

"Yes," the witness replied.

Depute fiscal Julie Hamilton asked the woman to whom did she relate the "sensations to".

The woman replied: "Norman Duncan."

Mr Duncan denies all charges and the case, in front of the jury and Sheriff Mungo Bovey QC, continues.