Two brothers have gone on trial at Bradford Crown Court accused of raping and sexually assaulting two girls in allegations dating back more than 40 years.

David Woolham, 60, and Peter Woolham, 59, between them deny seven offences of rape, four of indecent assault and one of gross indecency, between 1965 and 1982.

Prosecutor Gerald Hendron told the jury yesterday the brothers, who grew up in Short Close, Wyke, assaulted two young girls over a period of eight years.

David Woolham, of Highgate Road, Clayton Heights, Bradford, is accused of three offences of rape and two of indecent assault. His case also includes a third alleged victim.

His wheelchair-bound brother, of Prospect Street, Buttershaw, Bradford, is charged with four offences of rape, two of indecent assault and one of gross indecency.

Mr Hendron said two of the alleged victims were now in their 50s and the third in her 30s.

The court heard that one woman told the police David Woolham came round to her home and raped her when she was 11.

She alleged the two brothers both sexually abused her.

The woman said Peter Woolham would give her two shillings and sixpence after he raped her.

Mr Hendron said the second woman came forward saying the men sexually assaulted her from when she was six years old.

She said she sought counselling but it made matters worse by bringing it all back to her.

The jury heard that David Woolham was accused of sexually assaulting a third girl, between 1979 and 1982.

Mr Hendron said he told her it was “her little secret” and she would be taken away from her mother if she told anyone.

Peter Woolham was arrested in January this year and denied all the offences.

His brother, arrested the following month, also said the allegations were completely untrue.

He said the three women were lying.

The trial continues.