A FORMER Neighbourhood Watch leader told a court he never asked a woman to become a prostitute.

Charles Anthony Lane, aged 56, of Elan Court, Bettws, Newport - a former award-winning Gaer Neighbourhood Watch leader - denied all allegations of sexual assault and indecency put to him at Newport crown court.

John Jenkins QC, defending, speaking about one alleged victim, asked Lane: "Did you ever ask her to perform acts of prostitution at her home?" He replied: "No, I did not."

Mr Jenkins asked: "Did you ever show her contact magazines from the days you placed adverts in them?" Lane replied: "No, I did not."

Yesterday the jury also heard an outline of Lane's army career, spanning 14 years.

Then Mr Jenkins asked: "What do you say to the allegations that you made her do sexual favours for men at her Newport home?"

Lane said: "It never happened."

Yesterday the jury was ordered to return not guilty verdicts on five of the 24 sex and violence charges against Lane.

Three charges of indecency with a child were not applicable because of a change in the law in the late 80s.

Not guilty verdicts were also ordered on a charge of rape and another sex offence charge.

The prosecution substituted an alternative charge of indecent assault.

Lane now denies 20 sex and violence charges against women and young girls, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, dating from the early 1970s to July 22 this year.

Proceeding.