A SCOUT master has appeared in court accused of sexually assaulting two children.

Russell Butler, 58, of Arborfield, Wokingham, denies sexually assaulting the children, who were both under 13 years of age.

Butler, who operated in Bracknell, denied the five counts against him at Reading Crown Court, and after difficulties with a jury, was able to face the opening of his trial on Monday.

Butler also has ties to Ascot, the court heard.

Prosecuting, Charles Ward-Jackson told the jury that Butler had, on more than three occasions, patted girls on the bottom.

On one occasion he was said to have reached under their dresses to touch them, and on one occasion asked one to: “Let me look at your p*****”

Mr Ward-Jackson explained that the charges relate to incidents between April 19, 2015 and November 20, 2016, Butler had abused young girls.

The court heard that two girls had discussed the incidents together, but it was said that they didn’t want to get Butler into trouble by reporting him.  The court heard that when he was interviewed by police, Butler denied the charges, and claimed they were “completely untrue”.

The jury was told that to every question in his police interview, Butler said “no comment”, after handing in a pre-prepared notice to officers, denying the charges.

Butler arrived at court for the opening of his case on Monday, but due to complications with the jury, prosecutor Mr Ward-Jackson was unable to make his opening remarks until noon on Tuesday.

Butler sat in the dock wearing a suit and tie, and had his wedding ring on, although there was no family or friends in the public gallery.  His trial is expected to last until next week, although judge Maria Lamb has informed the jury that it will finish before Friday.

The trial continues.