A family man accused of sex offences dating back more than 30 years today told a jury the allegations had destroyed his life.

Philip Erby, 50, a former RAF serviceman, said four women had made up allegations that he assaulted them when they were young girls.

"They are completely untrue," he said from the witness box during the third day of the trial at Bradford Crown Court.

Erby, of Daffels Wood Close, Bierley, Bradford, denies nine charges of indecent assault and three of indecency with a child.

The allegations span period from the late 1970s until 1991 and the four women, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, are now in their late 20s, 30s and 40s.

Erby, who joined the RAF in 1976, is accused of sexual assault when he was on leave.

He told the jury he had no recollection whatsoever of one of his alleged victims.

Now married with children, he served with the RAF in the Falklands, Northern Ireland and Cyprus.

He said the partner of one of the women turned up on his doorstep around 18 months ago and accused him of being a paedophile.

"I was shocked and stunned and had no idea what he was talking about.

"This has destroyed 18 months of my life," he told the court.

The trial continues.