VICTIMS of alleged child sexual abuse at the hands of a gymnastics teacher “had nothing to gain and no vendetta” when they reported the matters to their parents and the police, a court heard.

David Schadek, 62, denies a string of sex offences against three girls, alleged to have taken place between 2005 and 2017.

He is facing a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court after denying two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, four counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual assault of a child.

Schadek, of Fenno Close, Colchester, is also accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by sending a message to the mother of one of the complainants and visiting their home address.

Read more: Former gymnastics teacher faces child sex offence allegations

In his closing speech to the jury, prosecutor Martin Hooper said the case was about “a disparity in age, power and influence”.

He added: “It’s a breach of trust when you have an adult and a child and that’s why it’s particularly serious.”

Referring to one alleged victim and her answers in the witness box, he said: “She was fair, she was reasoned and she was honest, we say.”

Mr Hooper said the alleged victims had been through “an ordeal”, by reporting the allegations to their parents, the police, barristers and the jury.

He said: “There’s no gain for them, is there? There’s no vendetta.

“The reason they’ve done all that, members of the jury, we say putting it shortly and simply they’re telling the truth.”

Delivering his closing speech, defence barrister Richard Kelly told the jury “consistency is important” when it comes to the evidence provided by the alleged victims.

Referring to one complainant, he said: “There are enormous inconsistencies in this evidence.

“This is a criminal trial, where you have to be sure.”

He also took issue with Mr Hooper’s “unfair” assertions over a lack of motive for making up the allegations.

He said: “The question is inviting you to reverse the burden of proof by asking him to come up with the answer – why would they make it up?

“Because if you can’t come up with that answer, we’ll just assume they are telling the truth.”

  •  The trial continues.