Jury hears from three complainants in first week of Clayton Busto sexual abuse trial

The first week of the Clayton Busto trial has ended, with the jury hearing evidence relating to three complainants.

The former teacher and scout leader faces 19 counts of sexual offences against children, dating from 2007 to 2016.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The trial began with jurors hearing the police interview of the first complainant, known in court as Mr A.

He was 14 when the abuse was said to have started, and of the 19 charges, 11 relate to him.

Mr A alleged repeated sexual encounters with the defendant during his teenage years, and told police he felt exploited at an age when he was exploring his sexuality.

However, the defence put it to the first complainant that he was not abused, but had been in a relationship with the defendant.

The jury then heard the police interview and live evidence from the second complainant, referred to as Mr X.

Five charges relate to him.

He described the defendant as a 'monster' and alleged the former teacher sent him sexual images when he was 17.

He also said Mr Busto asked him to send sexual images in return, but he never did.

In cross examination, Chris Marsh Finch asked Mr X if he had discussed details with another complainant and agreed to join together in an attack on Clayton Busto, which he denied.

Finally, on Day 5 the jury began listening to the police interview of a third complainant, known in court as Mr Y. Two charges relate to him.

He alleges Mr Busto, who was then his teacher and scout leader, sent him emails containing sexual images.

The complainants are entitled to lifelong anonymity under laws protecting alleged victims in sexual offence cases.

The trial continues.