A MAN has been unanimously cleared of rape by a jury following a trial.

Bryan Sheridan, of Conduit Hill, Evesham, had denied four counts; two rapes, assault by penetration when the victim had not consented and attempting to assault by penetration when the victim did not consent.

Mr Sheridan had maintained he was innocent of the charges alleged by complainant to have taken place at her home on Boxing Day, 2018.

After just under three hours deliberation the jury returned at 3pm this afternoon (October 28) with the foreman announcing they had found Mr Sheridan not guilty on all four counts.

In his evidence Mr Sheridan had told the jury that everything sexual that took place between him and the alleged victim that night had been consensual, and she was awake throughout.

Giving evidence in his trial from the witness box, he also denied he had raped the alleged victim when Prosecutor Caroline Goodwin QC put it to him in cross examination.

Mr Sheridan was represented by Michael Anning. The four day trial was heard by Judge James Burbidge QC, Worcester's most senior judge.