AN ex-martial arts instructor is alleged to have sexually abused six girls in what was described by the prosecution as "a serious, alarming and disturbing case", a court heard.

Mark Mayne, 40, is alleged to have committed some of the offences at his home in Adams Street, Abertillery, and some in a rented factory unit on an Ebbw Vale industrial estate.

Mayne has denied a total of 26 charges, 13 of which allege rape involving five of the girls.

He also pleads not guilty to further charges including indecency with a child, indecent assault, attempting to procure a miscarriage, sexual activity with a girl, and sexual intercourse with a girl under 13. All of the alleged victims were under 15.

Prosecutor Ieuan Morris told Cardiff crown court Mayne preyed on the girls. He said the allegations the jury would hear details of, they would find "shocking and vile."

He said Mayne took advantage of the girls and after grooming them his behaviour escalated to full sex.

Mayne once had sex with a girl in a tent pitched at Cwmtillery reservoir, Mr Morris said.

On one occasion, said Mr Morris, he attempted to procure one of the girls to have a miscarriage.

Last August one of the girls complained to her mother and others came forward.

Mayne denied the allegations and claimed that one girl "got fresh with him" and another had tried to blackmail him.

Proceeding