THE husband of a woman accused of having a sexual relationship with an underage girl said he had no idea of the relationship until allegations came to light, a jury heard.

Stephanie Shorney, 34, denies seven counts of sexual offences involving an underage girl in West Dorset between January 28, 2017 and January 27, 2019.

The girl, who was aged between 14 and 15 during this time, cannot be named for legal reasons.

Shorney, of Hill View, Maiden Newton, has told a jury she had a sexual relationship with the girl, but only after she turned 16. She denied any sexual contact before this age, but confirmed they had kissed.

In an ongoing trial at Winchester Crown Court, the defence called upon members of Shorney’s family to give evidence about their knowledge of the alleged victim and her relationship with the defendant.

Paul Shorney, the defendant’s husband, said he first became aware of the complainant before they moved to Maiden Newton and confirmed she joined the family on trips around Dorset and visited their home.

Mr Shorney said he contacted the alleged victim’s parents after he was made aware of Shorney and the complainant in the same bed together in September 2017.

He told the jury how one of his daughters made him aware the girl had been in the house and slept in the same bed while he was away. Mr Shorney said the girl was ‘not welcome’ in the house.

He said in 2018, the girl sent him a text message which she apologised for an incident the previous year and ‘wondered if I could see you and the family’.

When asked if she came to the house, he replied: “No she did not.". He did not respond to the message.

Mr Shorney said he had no idea about the relationship until the allegations came out.

Mr Shorney said he was ‘not pleased’ when he was told about the relationship.

Shorney’s parents, Kim and Stephen Jarvis, both confirmed they knew who the alleged victim was, after she visited them with Shorney and her two children in summer 2017.

Mrs Jarvis added: “I haven’t seen her since that day or had any communications with her.”

The pair also denied sending messages to the alleged victim on an evening where concerns were raised about the reported welfare of Shorney at West Bay on November 28, 2019.

Both the prosecution and defence are set to address the jury with their closing statements today (Tuesday, August 3).

The trial continues.