Tennis player backs accused coach

The tennis coach denies sexually assaulting the girl from Merseyside

A former top British tennis player who worked with a coach accused of sexual assault was "comfortable" with the way she taught, a court has heard.

Claire Lyte, 29, of Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, is charged with five counts of sexual activity with a 13-year-old Merseyside girl.

Mark Cox's statement to Liverpool Crown Court said: "I was comfortable with her coaching style."

Ms Lyte, who was named Young Coach of the Year in 2001, denies the charges.

Mr Cox worked with Ms Lyte while he managed the Lawn Tennis Association's Futures programme.

Official complaint

In his statement read out to the jury , Mr Cox said he had never been aware of allegations of Miss Lyte bullying or shouting at pupils at the Lawn Tennis Association academy, which the victim attended.

Mr Cox said: "Personally Claire was conscientious and passionate about the game."

The court heard that the girl's mother found the pair naked in bed together in October 2005 but made an official complaint six months later.

David Mason, defending, said that the allegations were invented by the girl's mother who was unhappy that her daughter's tennis career was coming to an end.

Four teenagers also taught by Miss Lyte at the Lawn Tennis Association academy in Leicestershire said they had noticed nothing suspicious between the pair.

In his closing speech Peter Davies prosecuting said there was "overwhelming evidence" against Miss Lyte. The case continues.