A THEATRE director in Bradford is on trial accused of sexually abusing three under-age drama students.

Samuel Collier, 27, denies 12 allegations involving the girls, who were aged 14 and 15 at the time.

The jury at Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that Collier, of Norman Lane, Eccleshill, Bradford, is accused of seven offences of sexual activity with a child under 16, relating the first girl.

The allegations are said to have taken place between June, 2007, and December, 2009.

Prosecutor Nick Askins said the child was approaching her 14th birthday when she became a student at the Theatre School in the Priestley Centre, Chapel Street, Little Germany, Bradford.

Collier, who directed a weekly rehearsal session, befriended and groomed the teenager, it is alleged.

Mr Askins said she visited his then home at Markfield Avenue, Low Moor, Bradford.

She had difficulties at home and would go to see Collier to talk things over.

Collier is accused of three offences of sexual activity with a second complainant, a 15-year-old girl, between September, 2005, and September, 2007.

Mr Askins said he groomed her for sexual purposes, sending her text messages when she was 14.

She regarded him as a friend who cared for her and she would stay at his home.

Collier pleads not guilty to two allegations of sexual activity with a child, relating to a third girl, who was also 15.

These alleged offences are said to have taken place between April, 2011, and January, 2012.

Mr Askins said the girl had a crush on Collier and a sexual relationship developed between them.

She attended his drama workshops and they exchanged messages on Facebook.

Collier was arrested in August, 2012, and interviewed three times by the police.

He made a prepared statement and denied that anything sexual happened with the girls, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Collier, who wore a smart grey suit and tie for his trial, was taken ill part-way through the prosecution opening.

Judge Colin Burn adjourned the case for a few minutes until defence barrister, Sara Dodd, said Collier was well enough to resume his place in the dock.

The jury is due to watch a taped police interview given by one of the girls today.

The trial, which is expected to last all week, continues.