Rotherham abuse trial: One accused 'knew' witnesses

Seven people are on trial at Sheffield Crown Court in connection with the alleged the sexual exploitation of children in Rotherham

A man accused of sexually abusing vulnerable girls in Rotherham has said he knew four of six alleged victims who had given evidence against him.

Basharat Hussain, 39, one of seven defendants, denies sixteen offences including rape, indecent assault and false imprisonment.

He told his defence barrister he had been "boyfriend and girlfriend" to three of the witnesses.

They had all claimed he had sexually exploited them when they young.

Mr Hussain was giving evidence at the beginning of the defence's case at Sheffield Crown Court.

A total of five men and two women are charged with 62 historic child grooming offences against 12 girls over a 10-year period.

Defendants on trial:

Arshid Hussain, 40, High Street, East Cowick, Goole, faces 30 charges, including five counts of rape.

Qurban Ali, 53, Clough Road, Rotherham, faces four charges, including rape and conspiracy to rape.

Majid Bostan, 37, Ledsham Road, Rotherham faces one charge of indecent assault.

Sajid Bostan, 38, Broom Avenue, Rotherham faces seven charges, including four counts of rape,.

Basharat Hussain, 39, of no fixed abode, faces 15 charges including two counts of rape.

Karen MacGregor, 58, Barnsley Road, Wath, South Yorkshire, faces three charges, including conspiracy to rape.

Shelley Davies, 40, Wainwright Road, Kimberworth Park, Rotherham, faces two charges, including false imprisonment.

Earlier the Judge, Sarah Wright, directed the jury to find Shelley Davies not guilty of one charge of conspiracy to rape because the she said there was not enough evidence to prove guilt.

All seven deny the charges against them and the trial continues.