Sex case teacher 'compassionate'

Howard Andrews denies serious sexual offences against children

A former outdoor pursuits instructor accused of sexually abusing children has told a court of his "compassionate" approach to teaching school children.

Howard Andrews, 45, from Twineham, West Sussex, denies 18 sexual offences between 1985 and 1998.

The alleged offences happened in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Surrey, Sussex and Switzerland.

Mr Andrews told Exeter Crown Court he dealt with children in a "compassionate and caring way".

Ten offences of indecent assault and one count of serious sexual assault were alleged to have involved two boys and a girl who were pupils at a residential school in Sussex.

Youngsters were placed there by social services, prosecutor Paul Dunkels QC told the jury.

Mr Andrews, who was a residential assistant at the school for a year, told the court he had not been happy with some of the practices which took place there.

'Wholeheartedly disagreed'

"I was not happy with physical abuse which took place on some of the older boys," he said.

He also told the jury the way the emotional needs of some of the children was handled was "not good".

Questioning Mr Andrews about some of the allegations made by youngsters, Mr Dunkels said: "Massaging and rubbing boys and girls is something you like to do."

But Mr Andrews refuted this, saying: "No, it is not."

During further detailed questioning Mr Andrews disagreed "wholeheartedly" with the prosecutor's suggestions.

Mr Andrews is charged with 15 counts of indecent assault, one count of rape and one count each of serious sexual assault and indecency with a child.

The offences are alleged to have involved a total of three boys and five girls.

The trial continues.