Guilty of sex abuse against children.

A DEFENDANT who told a Royal Court trial that he had no sexual interest in children had a conviction for having unlawful intercourse with a 14-year-old, girl it emerged yesterday.

Alasdair Garven, 65, of Loxton Drive, Twerton, Bath, bowed his head and closed his eyes, as Jurats unanimously found him guilty on all 10 counts of historic child abuse.

He had denied five counts of committing acts of gross indecency, as well as five of indecently assaulting girls under the age of 16 between 1970 and 1977.

The offences, against four girls, took place at his former homes on the Rectory Hill and Le Picquerel estates, and at another property in the Castel. The youngsters' ages were estimated to be between four and nine at the time and all gave evidence for the prosecution.

A probation report will be prepared and he will be sentenced next month.