Assault accused was school 'hero'

Howard Andrews denies serious sexual offences against children

A former outdoor pursuits instructor accused of 15 sexual offences against children was a "hero" at the Sussex school where he taught, a court heard.

Howard Andrews, 45, of Twineham, West Sussex, denies all the charges.

They allegedly took place in Sussex, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Surrey and Switzerland between 1985 and 1998.

One alleged victim, now aged 36, told Exeter Crown Court that Andrews' arrival in 1984 was like a "breath of fresh air" at the school.

'Seeking attention'

He told the jury: "We felt he was a hero."

Mr Andrews is alleged to have committed four indecent assaults and a serious sexual assault on the boy.

The witness said Mr Andrews, who lived at the school, asked him to go to his own room where he was then sexually assaulted.

"At the time it felt the right thing to do, as if I was getting close to him," said the witness. "I was always seeking attention and this was a way of getting it," he said.

The case continues.