Nine accused in child abuse trial

Eight people accused of child sex abuse and one person accused of child cruelty dating back 40 years in Hampshire have gone on trial.

The abuse is alleged to have taken place in the New Milton area from 1968.

At Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday, the prosecution said the defendants lived a "life of freewheeling and often alcohol-fuelled sexual indulgence".

The seven men and two women deny all of the charges. The trial is expected to last eight weeks.

The defendants are:

• Michael Brooks, 66, of Church Lane, Lymington, charged with five counts of cruelty to a person under 16 years, five counts of indecent assault, five counts of rape, one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

• Maureen Brooks, 63, of Church Lane, Lymington, charged with seven counts of cruelty to a person under the age of 16

• Nico Sharque, 45, of Rudd Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, charged with one count of indecent assault.

• Patrice Budd, 47, of Avon Road, Bournemouth, charged with one count of indecency with a child.

• Patricia Harris, 57, of Hare Lane, New Milton, charged with one count of attempted rape.

• Ian Whitlock, 66, of Cull Lane, New Milton, charged with one count of indecent assault and once count of sexual assault.

• John Wells, 58, of St James Street, Brighton, charged with one count of indecent assault.

• Terence Shave, 65, of Bramshaw Way, New Milton, charged with one count of indecent assault.

• Peter Saville, 64, of Winston Way, Ringwood, charged with one count of sexual activity with a child.

'Frequent drinking'

The court heard the case centres on Mr and Mrs Brooks.

David Bartlett, for the prosecution, said the couple and their friends lived a "life of freewheeling and often alcohol-fuelled sexual indulgence".

Mr Brooks, the court heard, was given to "heavy and frequent drinking, which often led to violent outbursts".

The charges relate to six victims.

Michael Brooks was judged unfit to plead but a Court of Appeal ruling meant he could stand trial.