The prosecution began its cross-examination of former gymnastics coach Hal Volante this afternoon.

Mr Volante, the former head coach at the Ellan Vannin Gymnastics Club, faces eight charges of indecent assault.

All of his alleged victims were young girls involved with the Douglas-based club.

This morning, he denied all of the charges individually and said kissing and hugging the girls didn’t involve any sexual motive.

Jason Roberts reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Mr Volante faced intense and aggressive questioning from the prosecution this afternoon.

He was accused of being a manipulative man who posed a menace to the girls in his care and couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

The 62 year-old was closely questioned about a child protection course he had attended, and was asked whether he believed his actions had upheld the spirit of the club’s child protection policy.

The trial at Douglas Courthouse continues.

(Picture: Inside the Ellan Vannin Gymnastics Club).