A FORMER Scout leader accused of a string of sexual offences against children has said the allegations are a “conspiracy” against him.

David James Burland, 54, of Ramsay Way, Burnham, is standing trial accused of sexual offences against three boys and a girl over a 23-year period. He denies all the allegations against him.

During the trial at Taunton Crown Court, prosecutor Ian Fenny accused Mr Burland of “grooming” children.

He accused him of enticing children into his car and home before exposing them to pornography and exposing himself.

All these allegations were denied by Mr Burland who said the claims were made up.

Giving evidence in the witness box on Tuesday, Mr Burland insisted the allegations are a conspiracy.

He said: “I think they have been talking to each other.

“I do feel it is a conspiracy – a lot of their claims have been word for word or line for line.”

Earlier, prosecutors had alleged Mr Burland had told his accusers that their parents didn’t love them any more to get them on-side.

But in his evidence, Mr Burland denied these claims.

He said: “I have never said to any child that their parents don’t love them.

"The children were manipulative. I did not have any particular interest in their family life.”

Family members, including Mr Burland’s wife, took to the stand to support his account of events.

Defence solicitor Rebecca Bradbury also read character references for Mr Burland from friends and others outside his family.

They highlighted Mr Burland’s devoted time to the Scout movement, describing him as a “family man” and an “absolute gentleman”.

Mr Burland faces 18 charges of indecent assault with a boy under 16, nine charges of sexually assaulting boys under 16, three counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 16, two counts of indecency with a child and one count of indecent exposure.

He denies all charges and the trial continues.