A GROUP of Winchester brothers sexually abused a young girl over a period of five years, a court heard.

David Elkins, Anthony Elkins, Richard Elkins and Derek Elkins face a total of 26 charges over separate attacks mostly dating back to the 1960s and '70s.

The abuse began in the late 1960s and continued until 1973, Winchester Crown Court was told on Monday.

A fifth brother, 62-year-old Michael Elkins, of Fleming Road, Harestock, is accused of sexually assaulting her as an adult around eight years ago.

Katherine Lumsdon, prosecuting, said the four had told their victims to keep the abuse a secret, warning they would get in trouble if they told anyone.

Ms Lumsdon outlined the alleged abuse to the jury of how the four brothers individually attacked the girl.

David Elkins, 60, of Battery Hill, Stanmore, faces 18 charges including the abuse of two other girls. Both were aged six when the abuse began, the court heard. His most recent alleged offence was an attempted rape in 1981.

Anthony Elkins, 69, of St Catherine's Road, Highcliffe, is charged with three indecent assaults and one act of indecency between 1968 and 1972.

Richard Elkins, 64, of Underwood Road, Eastleigh, and Derek Elkins, 65, of Dyson Drive, Abbotts Barton, each face two counts of indecency with a child in the early 1970s.

The five deny all charges.

A sixth brother, Stewart Elkins, was also due to face trial but died last month.

Proceeding.