Vickery House, 69, pleaded not guilty to eight counts of indecent assault when he appeared at the Old Bailey for the first day of his trial.
The man, from West Sussex, spoke out clearly in the dock as he confirmed his name and entered his pleas.
He is currently on bail after the allegations were made.
The first two charges allege he indecently assaulted a boy of 15 between April 1970 and April 1971.
The other six offences relate to five young men between December 1976 and January 1986.
The case before Judge Christine Henson QC is expected to be opened tomorrow after a jury has been sworn in.