A FORMER gym worker accused of abusing three young boys in the 1990s has been cleared by jurors of 18 charges against him.

Prosecutors alleged Darren Parker, 39, had groped the boys, aged between nine and 14, at Central Gym and the former Tone Zone at Duke Bar.

But after hearing evidence from all three accusers at a Burnley Crown Court trial, Parker, of Coal Clough Lane, was found not guilty of 17 offences of indecent assault and a charge of inciting a boy to commit an indecent act.

He was discharged from the dock by Recorder Andrew Long after a five-day trial, during which he was supported by family and friends.

Formerly employed at Tone Zone, Parker had denied any sexual misconduct with the three individuals, which was also said to have taken place at two homes in the Burnley area.

One of the boys, who are all now grown up and in their 30s, made a complaint to police in 2013 after speaking with his wife. His allegations were followed by similar accusations made by two other boys.

Arrested and interviewed by police on more than one occasion, as the inquiry progressed, Parker denied sexually interfering with any of the trio.