A THEATRE director who had sex with a 15-year-old drama student today told a jury: "It was the heart ruling the head."

Samuel Collier, 27, went on: "It was completely wrong. Emotions took over. I fell in love."

Collier has pleaded guilty to inciting the under-age girl to engage in sexual activity and to four charges of sexual activity with her.

He denies two further allegations of sexual activity with the girl, and six further similar offences relating to a second under-age drama student.

Collier, of Norman Lane, Eccleshill, Bradford, was 24 when he had sex with the 15-year-old girl, between April, 2011, and January, 2012.

He wore a short-sleeved black shirt when giving evidence today, the fourth day of his trial at Bradford Crown Court.

He said the sex was "an act of love" and he went on to have a relationship with the teenager when she was over 16.

Collier said he was denying two allegations of sexual activity with her because they were "lewd acts" that did not take place.

The second girl was aged 14 and 15 when she claims a 20-year-old Collier sexually abused her.

He denied any improper behaviour, telling the jury it was at first "a director-actress relationship" and then they became very close and he treated her "like a little sister."

Collier said he would call her "babe" and hug her but he never kissed her on the mouth or gave her a necklace.

She had slept in his bedroom with him but never shared his bed.

He said he had sent her hundreds of text messages, some saying he loved her, but none were sexual.

The girl's father challenged him about their relationship, saying he had "rather serious concerns."

Collier said he was shocked and felt mistrusted by his suspicions, but he allayed his fears.

Questioned by his barrister, Sara Dodd, Collier said he began his career as duty manager at the Priestley Theatre in Little Germany, Bradford. He had worked as a freelance theatre director at many venues in West and North Yorkshire.

He said he must have had professional contact with up to 10,000 under-age girls.

Asked by Nick Askins, barrister for the Crown, "Are you sexually attracted to under-age girls?" Collier replied: "No."

He said the idea of sexually abusing them made him "sick to the stomach".

The jury retired to consider its verdict this afternoon and will continue its deliberations from 10am tomorrow.