Accused teacher's apology letter

Howard Andrews denies serious sexual offences against children

A former outdoor pursuits instructor accused of child sex abuse has said his letter of apology to the victims was not an admission of guilt.

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

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

Mr Andrews, who denies the charges, told Exeter Crown Court he only wanted to help the victims "feel better".

'Loathing and distain'

The jury was told Mr Andrews wrote a letter to his accusers just before he was charged last year.

"I have carried the burden of guilt and shame over my behaviour," the letter said.

The letter also spoke of "loathing and distain for my past actions".

Asked why he had written it, Mr Andrews said he wanted it to sound authentic to make the people feel better.

He said parts of the letter were not true - he did not feel guilt or shame - but his intention was to sound more convincing to the recipients.

Mr Andrews told the court his conscience was clear.

"I have not sexually assaulted these children. I shall stand by that till the day I die," he said.

The trial continues.