Care manager denies abusing girl

A night manager at a care home for young people in Somerset has appeared in court accused of abusing one of the teenage girls in his care.

Andrew Caulfield, 43, appeared at Taunton Crown Court where he denied eight charges of sexual contact with a child.

The jury heard the relationship between Caulfield and the 15-year-old went on for eight months in 2008.

The court was told it was discovered when other staff became suspicious.

The jury heard sex would sometimes happen in the care home and sometimes in his van.

Other staff at the care home discovered inappropriate text messages on the girl's mobile phone.

Initially she denied the relationship then admitted it, the court heard.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told police in a video interview she thought Caulfield loved her.

The case continues.