German swimming instructor on trial over child sexual abuse

BERLIN (AP) — A swimming instructor in southwestern Germany has gone on trial accused of sexually abusing 37 young girls.

The Baden-Baden regional court began hearing the case Wednesday and is expected to deliver a verdict at the end of October.

Prosecutors say the 34-year-old German filmed some of the estimated 200 crimes he committed from October 2015 until his arrest in September last year. Underwater footage was part of the evidence seized.

The man, who wasn't named for privacy reasons, is also accused of trying to silence his victims with death threats.

The youngest alleged victim was four years old.

Authorities were unable to identify three suspected victims.

The defendant denies the charges.

Prosecutors have applied for him to be remanded in detention even after he has served a possible prison sentence.