The trial of a man charged with 11 sex crimes allegedly committed against six child complainants between 2012 and 2018 began in the Supreme Court in Burnie this week.

The 52-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charges which include two of rape, three of maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person and six of indecent assault.

The six children are from three North-West families the man had befriended while living in the same neighbourhood in 2012, jurors heard Wednesday.

Following opening statements, Crown prosecutor Jody Dennison called the father of two of the children to give evidence.

The father said the accused man was originally a colleague and a friend who developed a close relationship with the family.

However, in March 2017 the father called police after one of his sons first made an allegation the man had touched him inappropriately.

"He touched him where he shouldn't. On his privates," the father said.

However, in cross examination defence lawyer Donal Craig said the father had made the claims to seek compensation as victims of crime.

"I suggest to you that you set this whole thing up with your kids," Mr Craig said.

"I suggest to you that you were the one that worded them up on making these allegations and your motive in doing so was for money."

In his opening statements, Mr Craig compared his client to a character in John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men.

"This case presents one of the most subtle webs of intrigue I have seen in 35 years of practice," he said

"I would ask you to suspend your prejudice, and indeed society's prejudice, at the way a man looks.

"He is a simple, but gentle, giant."

The man and the six child complainants can not be identified for legal reasons.

The trial before Justice Robert Pearce is expected to last for at least two weeks.

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