A male nurse accused of indecently assaulting a patient often told "near-the-mark" jokes, a court heard.

Ronald Mason, 59, of Garrick Road, Broadwater, Worthing, is alleged to have indecently assaulted a 53-year-old disabled woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, during a 19-month period at a West Sussex nursing home.

Mason, who denies the charge, claimed there was an atmosphere of banter at the home.

He told Lewes Crown Court yesterday: "If someone was looking miserable, I would tell a joke. My jokes were very near the mark some of the time. The residents loved them."

Mason said he and the alleged victim bantered and joked with each other.

He said: "She would ask me to get her a cigarette and I would say, 'I will come and give you one in a minute,' and she would reply, 'I hope a cigarette as well'."

He added: "She is such a lovely lady and we used to joke like that."

The married father-of-one said he was "gutted" when he found out about the allegations against him. The case continues.