A gymnastics coach accused of indecently assaulting young girls again denied all the allegations when he took the stand at his trial this morning.

62 year old Harold (Hal) Volante, who has been accused of betraying his position of trust over several years, admitted contact with the girls during coaching exercises, but insisted it was for their own safety and to improve their gymnastics.

He denied there was any sexual motive.

Graham Bell reports:

(Text of attached audio)

Among other things, Mr Volante denied having a conversation with a girl about French kissing, as has been alleged by the prosecution.

Another of the charges relates to an incident which is said to have occurred in a jacuzzi during a trip to Canada. Mr Volante admitted there was horseplay involving himself and some girls, but he denies touching one of them in an inappropriate place.

He admitted 'twanging' a girls bra in the gymn. He agreed it was inappropriate, but again denied any sexual motive.

The offences were allegedly committed against girls aged between ten and fourteen, at the Ellan Vannin Gymnastics, between 1997 and last year.