Wednesday 18 May 2022 01:55 AM Former Yorkshire farm owner claims his mobile phone 'fell into pond' before ... trends now
The former owner of a popular children's petting farm claims his phone 'fell into the pond' before he was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting three girls.
Mark Hebdon was unable to hand police his mobile phone while being questioned over the alleged offences believed to have taken place while he ran Monk Park Farm in North Yorkshire.
The 54-year-old is accused of a range of accusations by the now women including performing sex acts on them, kissing and touching them, and texting them after sexually assaulting them.
Two of the girls accusing him of the sexual assault allegations, which are believed in total to cover a 15 year period, were between 13 and 15.
Teesside Crown Court heard that Hebdon who no longer owns the visitor attraction in Thirsk denies nine charges - including sexual activity with a child and sexual assault.
He also claims his phone 'accidentally slid into a pond whilst trying to catch a duck which had a bleeding leg' before his arrest.
Mark Hebdon (pictured outside court) - who has since sold Monk Park Farm - was unable to hand police his mobile phone for investigation while being questioned over the alleged offences
The 54-year-old is accused of a range of accusations by the now women including performing sex acts on them, kissing and
