A FORMER gym worker has been accused of sexually molesting three young boys in the 1990s after exercise sessions at two Burnley fitness centres.

Jurors at Burnley Crown Court heard that Darren Parker allegedly preyed on the three, all younger than himself, at the former Tone Zone, in Duke Bar, and Central Gym in the town centre.

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One alleged victim, now in his 30s, recalled how Parker would begin, after classes had finished at Central Gym, play-fighting with two of them, the court was told.

Prosecutor Sara Dodds said the victim, then only a schoolboy, had his underpants yanked up abruptly until it hurt. And then Parker moved in and put his hands inside his underwear, fondling him.

Another alleged victim told police how he would simulate sex with him in one of the sunbed rooms at Tone Zone, with the youngster said to be “scared stiff” of what was going on.

Parker, now 39, of Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, is accused of abusing the same boy in the toilets of the former Focus DIY, where he asked him to behave indecently and commit a sex act.

He was also said to have been abused by Parker after he caught him ‘skiving’ from school, later sexually assaulting him in a lift at the former St Peter’s Centre.

The boy claims he was also abused at Central Gym, after Parker allegedly caught him stealing money there, and at two of the defendant’s former addresses in the Burnley area.

This alleged victim made a complaint to police in 2013 and Parker was arrested and interviewed by police.

His charges prompted two more men, now also in their 30s, to come forward with similar complaints.

Their allegations also revolved around the same two gyms and two houses.

Parker was aged between 15 and 20 at the time of the allegations, in the mid-1990s, and the victims were said to be aged between 11 and 14, eight and 13, and nine or 10.

Parker denies 17 offences of indecent assault and one charge of inciting a boy to commit an indecent act. The trial continues.