A JURY has begun its deliberations in the case of a prison support worker who is accused of indecently assaulting young girls.

John Cornwell is also alleged to have committed sex acts while watching pornography with the complainants.

The 53-year-old, of West Auckland Road, Darlington, denies 13 charges of indecent and sexual assault as well as engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Mr Cornwell, who works at Northallerton Young Offenders Institution, is on trial at Teesside Crown Court.

The jury in the case began its deliberations on Wednesday lunchtime before being sent home for the night by Judge George Moorhouse.