A Caister man has gone on trial accused of sexually abusing five boys at a children's home where he worked in the 1970s.

Robert Brown is alleged to have committed the offences while he was the boss of the Manor Court Children's Home, which has since closed, in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

The 69-year-old, who lived at the home at the time but is now of Eastern Avenue in Caister, has pleaded not guilty at Warwick Crown Court to 16 charges of indecent assault.

He has also denied attempting to have sex with one of the boys, as well as six charges of cruelty towards three of those alleged victims, two other boys and a girl.

Prosecutor David Jackson told the jury: 'This is a case, over the years, of systematic abuse of vulnerable young people, and some more vulnerable than others.

'It is not suggested Bob Brown, as he was known, abused all the children in his care, but the prosecution say that's because he selected the ones to abuse as the most vulnerable.

'People who knew Bob Brown at the time described him as a huge man, a very intimidating person, an imposing figure; someone who wanted nobody to be in any doubt that he was in charge at that home – and he was not afraid to show it.'

The first victim to come forward recalled he would get beatings over bad school reports.

As a result of statements from former residents Brown was arrested in February 2014, but denied any physical or sexual abuse of any resident.

During questioning, Brown claimed he was an 'easy target' because of the revelations about Jimmy Savile.

The trial continues.