A former vicar indecently touched girls during Sunday school outings, church concerts or while teaching, a court has heard.
Guy Bennett who’s 84 and from East Grinstead is facing 24 historical charges of indecent assault against 11 victims.
It’s alleged he assaulted the young girls while rector of St Mary’s church in Oxted between 1975 and 1991.
He admitted there may have been touching, but says any touching was inadvertent and had no sexual intent.
Bennett added that he was a tactile person and that touching was part of his manner with all of his parishioners both young and old.
The trial continues.