A Cape Breton couple accused of sex crimes involving a preteen girl denies the allegations, claiming they are the victims of people who don't share their religious beliefs.

Daryl and Shelley Digout are charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and other crimes involving a girl they looked after on weekends when she was between nine and 12 years old.

The charges are "due to religious conflict and a different path that we were on," Shelley Digout told the court Wednesday. "I propose to the c…