A MAN facing sex charges was challenged yesterday over claims that he was physically unable to have sex.

David Courtney, 61, of Mill Lane, Billingham, told Teesside Crown Court he had been unable to have sex after two industrial accidents left him with a back injury.

Mr Courtney, who is registered disabled, has denied eight rape charges and 13 indecent assaults on six girls.

Graham Hyland QC, prosecuting, asked him: "Do you accept there is nothing in your medical records to suggest your sexual function was anything but normal?"

Mr Courtney said: "That may be so."

But he said he had mentioned his inability to have sex to his GP.

Questioning Mr Courtney about his Christian commitment, Mr Hyland asked him if, while allegedly abusing some victims, he had told them it was what the Bible said he should do. Mr Courtney denied the claim.

Mr Courtney's wife, Sylvette, said she and her husband had not had sex since he injured his back.

She said her husband was innocent of all the charges, adding: "If I thought for one minute that Dave had done anything like that I would not stand here defending him."

The trial continues.