Jury retires in sex abuse trial

Martin Smith was extradited to the UK from Spain earlier this year

The jury in the trial of a man whose wife is accused of murdering their two children has retired to consider child sex allegations against him.

Martin Smith, 45, from North Shields, denies rape, attempted rape, indecency with a child and indecent assault.

His partner, Lianne Smith, 44, who is being held by Spanish police, gave evidence via video link to the trial at Manchester Crown Court on Monday.

Their children were found dead in a Spanish resort in May.

Mr Smith is accused of using hypnosis and violence to groom and sexually abuse a girl.

He denies 11 specimen counts of rape, attempted rape, indecency with a child and indecent assault over a period of nine years.

The couple's two children, Rebecca, five, and Daniel, 11 months, were found dead in the resort of Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava on 18 May.

Miss Smith is being held by Spanish police on suspicion of murder.

She told the jury in Manchester the couple left the UK for Spain to prevent their children being taken from them by social services after the child sex allegations were made in August 2007.