Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse jury begins deliberating

The jury has begun its deliberations in the child sex abuse trial of former high-profile US college football coach, Jerry Sandusky.

Prosecutors have portrayed the 68-year-old as a "predatory paedophile" who lured and abused vulnerable boys.

But lawyers for the former Penn State university assistant coach says his accusers have financial motives.

He denies 48 counts of abusing 10 boys over 15 years. If convicted, he could spent the rest of his life in jail.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Joe McGettigan told the jury during closing arguments: "What you should do is come out and say to the defendant that he molested and abused, and give them back their souls."

But Mr Sandusky's lawyer said his client was the victim of a legal system that presumed he was guilty, and accusers who hoped to be awarded money from civil lawsuits.

"They went after him, and I submit to you they were going to get him, hell or high water, even if they had to coach witnesses," Joe Amendola said.

Mr Sandusky, who did not testify, is accused of abusing boys he met through Second Mile, a charity he founded for at-risk youth.

He allegedly abused them at his home, in hotels and the athletic facilities of Penn State.

Eight men aged between 18 and 28 testified during the nearly two-week trial in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.