A jury in the trial of a man accused of sexually abusing several children has retired to consider its verdicts.

Philip Burns, 32, has been on trial at Carlisle Crown Court, where he denies 20 charges.

They include four child rape allegations; seven counts of allegedly causing or inciting a child aged under 13 to engage in sexual activity; four alleged child sexual assaults; two assault by penetration charges; and two counts of allegedly engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

In addition, Burns denies allegedly physically assaulting one of the complainants.

The allegations were all said to have occurred in the Carlisle area and cover a period spanning five years.

However, Burns, of High Street, Annan, strenuously denies any wrongdoing.

Giving evidence, he insisted: "I never committed any sexual offences against these children."

Having heard all evidence in the case, the jury listened to Judge Peter Hughes QC sum up the case.

This concluded today, when jurors retired to consider their verdicts.

They were sent home for the night, and will resume their deliberations tomorrow.