THE wife of a man accused of sexually abusing two children in the 1990s has taken the stand in court.

Jackie Bennett, gave her full backing to her husband Neil, 51, of Forest Edge, Buckhurst Hill, saying she would have known if any abuse had occurred between him and the male and female complainants in the trial.

Prosecutor Simon Wild pointed out to Mrs Bennett that she would often be out at work away from her husband and wouldn't see him for significant amounts of time.

He also said there was at least one recorded occasion when Mr Bennett had been known to be alone with the female complainant in the trial.

Mrs Bennett said on that occasion another four-year-old child had also been present.

The prosecutor then asked Mrs Bennett if her husband had admitted to her that he had had two affairs behind her back.

She replied he hadn't but she was aware of the affairs adding: “Neil's not that bright. He couldn't hide things from me.”

Asked to comment on the character of the female complainant in the trial Mrs Bennett said: “She was a mixed-up girl with a past behind her.”

Mr Wild said: “You don't doubt she had a full blown mental breakdown?”

Mrs Bennett replied: “I don't know. I'm not a doctor. She's rehearsed her story so many times, it's what she believes. All I've got to tell is the truth.”

The court also heard from defence witness Lesli Wheeler, an old family friend of the Bennetts.

She said she had been round their house many times and had never seen anything suspicious.

Mr Bennett faces five charges of indecent assault, two of indecency with a child, two of rape, and two charges of indecent assault against a male complainant. He denies all the charges.

The trial continues.