A LANCASTER scout leader accused of raping and molesting boys and teenagers has told a court that he never abused the youngsters.

Kevin Pilling, a divorced father of five and the former deputy district commissioner of the scouts in Lancaster denied ever raping or indecently assaulting the teenager in question in February.

He has also refuted claims that he sexually assaulted two other scouts.

Pilling, 44, denies nine charges of rape and six of indecent assault. The prosecution claim that he selected three boys before carrying out systematic sexual abuse while district deputy commissioner of the scouts in Lancaster.

He was original accused by one boy of raping him on a weekly basis. Police asked Pilling why the boy would make such allegations to which he replied: "I've not the foggiest. I don't know."

The following month he was re-arrested and questioned about the second youngster he is alleged to have raped. When asked to explain why these claims had been made Pilling said: "Perhaps he has heard the rumours that are going around at the moment."

He was further questioned in March about a third boy but Pilling denied any indecency.Proceeding