Delivery driver accused of attempting to kidnap schoolgirl said he was trying 'chat up' line

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A delivery driver accused of attempting to kidnap a schoolgirl at a bus stop said he was trying a 'chat up' line and did not know the child was underage.

Sean Gillings, 33, has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnap and is standing trial. Manchester Crown Court has heard that the girl, 15, said she thought she was going to be kidnapped after Mr Gillings approached and started talking to her.

But he has denied intending to do so and said he wanted to try and get the girl's phone number. Jurors heard an interview which Mr Gillings gave to police following his arrest.

He said he had been working that day, in November last year, delivering food from a nearby takeaway. READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community Mr Gillings said he stopped his car near the bus stop in Monton, Salford, and saw the girl, who he thought 'looked nice', he said. "I have just pulled up and I have just come up with some cheeky banter," he told police.