A MAN who is alleged to have committed multiple sex offences against children took to the stand yesterday to deny any involvement.

Paul Jones, of Old Barn Way, Abergavenny, told Cardiff Crown Court he had never looked at pictures of young children on the internet.

And the 47-year-old said he had given his laptop and mobile phone to the police because he knew he had nothing to hide.

Gwent Police detective Steve Bellinger also told the court yesterday, on the third day of the trial, that no indecent images of children had been found on the devices or any searches in relation to children.

Jones is accused of four counts of indecency with a child; five counts of rape of a child; two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity; two counts of engaging in sexual activity in front of a child; and two counts of sexual assault of a child.

Also known by his middle name Delwyn, the defendant denies all the charges against him.

It has been alleged that he forced youngsters on different occasions to perform sexual acts on him.

The jury was told that about two years ago, Jones stole items including razor blades and cat food, amounting to £76, from his employer of seven-and-a-half years, where he worked as a manager in the shop.

He admitted stealing to the police at the time, and speaking in the witness box yesterday, Jones said: “I am an honest person, I learnt from that”.

The Argus has reported that the court previously heard evidence from the alleged victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

One claimed Jones twice tried to make him touch him sexually.

The alleged victim said he felt “petrified” by the incidents, but that Jones threatened to kill him and his family if he told anyone what was going on.

The witness said that Jones once grabbed him by the wrist and tried to force him to touch him, but he managed to push him off and get away.

In an interview with police, the alleged victim said: “It was very frightening, I was scared.”

Another witness claimed the defendant would ask her for “sexual favours”.

She later told the court she complied because she was “afraid”.

The witness denied making the claims up when cross-examined by defence barrister Timothy Evans.

Recorder Ian Murphy QC said the trial is likely to last until the beginning of next week.

Proceeding.