Speaking as the trial continued in its seventh week, Burgess denied he locked himself in the All Saints Church vestry in Portsmouth with the boy.

Jurors previously heard the boy, now a man, alleged former music teacher Burgess touched between his legs and said: ‘Did you enjoy that?’

Fern Russell, defending, asked Burgess if he touched the boy. Burgess said: ‘No it’s a public place.’

Ms Russell said: ‘Is that the reason?’

Burgess said: ‘No. The reason is if you’re playing a piano people know you’re in there.’

Asked if he said ‘did you enjoy that?’ Burgess added: ‘No. Not at all.’

Further asked if Burgess promoted people within choirs unduly, he said: ‘I’d be answerable to people for that.’

He confirmed some students had visited the home he shared with his mother and father.

But he said ‘it would have been wrong’ to have younger students visit.

urors have heard the former Portsmouth City Boys School music teacher was a choirmaster at St John the Baptist Church in Westbourne, and at All Saints Church in Commercial Road.

Burgess was expected to continue giving evidence today.

(Proceeding)