People accusing a former defence solicitor of sexual abuse were left feeling “confused” by the alleged actions, a court has heard.

Alan Harris, 72, of Thorn Park, Plymouth, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of 12 charges of indecent assault, eight charges of sexual assault and two charges of rape, dating from 1989 to 2015.

While summing up the case on Wednesday, Recorder of Winchester Judge Angela Morris said the alleged victims, who were clients of Mr Harris, claimed they “did not know what to do” after the alleged abuse.

Previously, Christine Agnew KC for the defence said the alleged victims had told “full blown lies” about Mr Harris, who denies all charges. The trial continues.

Mr Harris is accused of sexually abusing people in the cells at Plymouth’s Charles Cross Police Station, Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, his car and his office.

Some of the alleged victims had described how they put up with the abuse because of “favours” the solicitor had done for them, Judge Morris said.

Speaking about a man who accused Mr Harris of rape, Judge Morris said: “He said he was young and confused by what the defendant was doing, but the defendant was there to help him.

“He said ‘I didn’t know what to do about it’.”

She added another of the alleged victims, who claimed he was abused at Mr Harris’ office, said he thought it was in his interest to go there and do what was asked to “avoid going to prison”.

Judge Morris’ summing up, which is due to continue on Thursday before the jury is sent out, said other alleged victims thought the courts and police had “protected Alan Harris”.

Speaking about an alleged victim who claimed they were abused in a police station cell, Judge Morris said: “He said he was in a police cell and felt it was the one place he should have been protected.”

The trial continues.