Oxford update for man accused of sexually assaulting girls

Walter Klen, of Eynsham Road, Farmoor, is on trial at Oxford Crown Court.

The 60-year-old has denied 17 charges against two alleged victims.

A total of 15 charges are against a complainant who was aged around nine to 13 between 2003 and 2007.

The last two are regarding another girl in around 2008, when she was around 12.

On Wednesday, June 10, the jury heard closing speeches from both barristers.

Richard Milne, prosecuting, said: “We have heard glowing references that he is loved by his family.

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“I ask you to look very carefully at Mr Klen. Sympathy has no part to play.

“You might feel a bit sorry for him. He says he has done nothing wrong.

“His case is quite simple. That nothing of the sort happened. The defendant had a tendency to masturbate these girls.

“That may have been the precursor to the attempted rape.

“These are not easy tasks. Have these people for no reason at all just made up these allegations against this defendant?”

Philip Romans, defending, said: “He has denied the allegations throughout the proceedings.

“He’s been consistent and been providing account and explanations. This is a man who has nothing to hide.

“He’s provided detailed accounts of what he said went on. He is a man of good character.

“He is a man capable of bearing responsibility who is liked and respected.”

Judge Ian Pringle KC then summarised the evidence for the jury before they retired to consider their verdicts.

On Tuesday, June 9, Judge Ian Pringle KC gave the jury some legal directions.

Judge Ian Pringle KC (Image: NQ)

The Judge said: “In this case, the defendant has no previous convictions recorded against him. Good character is not a defence for a criminal charge.

“You should take this into account when you consider what he told you. It might make it less likely he acted in the way alleged.

“You must take into account everything you have heard about the defendant.”

Mr Milne previously told the jury that Klen moved to the UK from Brazil in around 2003.

On the first complainant, Mr Milne said: “Her account is that she was sexually abused. That it went on for years. She said it started when she was quite young.”

The jury heard Klen allegedly wanted her to kiss his private parts.

The barrister said: “He brushed his penis against her private parts. She said it was a very odd feeling.”

Klen allegedly described it as ‘just a game’.

The jury heard that the second complainant alleged that he unzipped his trousers and placed her hand on his private parts.

Klen was arrested and interviewed in 2023. He denied the allegations.

The trial continues.