Wrexham children's home man John Allen 'abused 20'

A hotelier who opened a string of children's homes in north Wales created a "sexualised atmosphere alongside a culture of fear" as he abused 20 children in his care, a jury has heard.

John Allen, 73, ran the Bryn Alyn Community, a group of homes near Wrexham, which became one of the UK's largest providers of residential care.

Mold Crown Court heard Mr Allen was a "regular and formidable presence" at the homes from the 1960s to the 1990s.

He denies 40 counts of sexual abuse.