A MAN in his 40s said Stroud businessman Stephen Read, 59, behaved inappropriately with him on childhood fishing trips in the 1980s.
He said Read, who is standing trial on 15 charges of sexual abuse against four young boys, asked him lewd questions and "bear-hugged" him while they were lying on the ground.
They were on a night-time fishing trip in South Cerney and had been drinking cider when Read suggested they wrestle. The witness was about 14 at the time and said the Bussage businessman's actions made him feel uncomfortable.
He told his mum and did not go on any more trips with Read.
Speaking at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday, he said he came forward and told police what had happened after he heard of Read's arrest.
The court also heard one of Read's alleged victims says he was molested by him when he was staying on his boat.
He said the businessman pulled down his pants and touched him.
When the boy started crying, Read did as well and allegedly begged the victim to touch him back, saying "there's nothing wrong with it".
The prosecution case ended yesterday and the trial is due to resume on Monday.
