THERE were sobs of relief in the public gallery as it was announced a 47-year-old man had been cleared of a sex attack. 

Martin Abbott appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court for his trial on Monday, (October 17). 

Mr Abbott, of Church Lane, Norton, had always denied the charge of sexual assault on a female.

The trial heard the complainant, who cannot be identified, alleged the sexual touching took place in a car when she had given Mr Abbott a lift home from the Huntsman Inn, Kempsey, on October 3, 2021. 

Worcester News: COURT: Martin Abbott was cleared of sexual assault at Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Martin Abbott was cleared of sexual assault at Worcester Magistrates Court

But answering questions in the witness box Mr Abbott said he had not committed the alleged offence and instead he had fallen asleep before being dropped off at his home. 

"Nothing went on in that car except I was sleeping," Mr Abbott said.

Magistrates deliberated for more than one-and-a-half hours before chairman of the magistrates bench, Roger Warrington, told Mr Abbott he had been found not guilty. 

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The chairman added the prosecution had not proved their case "beyond reasonable doubt", before telling Mr Abbott he was free to leave the courtroom.

Supporters of Mr Abbott in a packed public gallery cried with joy when the chairman announced their verdict. 

Andrew Mitchinson prosecuted in the trial, Judith Kenney defending.