A TRAINEE paramedic and special constable has been cleared of raping and indecently assaulting a young mother after a night out in Accrington town centre.

Mark Evans, 25, was found not guilty of all charges by a unanimous verdict after a two-hour deliberation at Preston Crown Court at the end of the week-long trial.

Mr Evans, single, of Queen Elizabeth Crescent, Accrington, will now be free to return to work as an ambulanceman based in Blackburn.

He has been suspended from his post and as a member of the special constabulary since January following the allegations. His position as a special constable will be reviewed.

Tony Dixon, deputy director of operations at the Blackburn Ambulance NHS Trust said he was looking forward to welcoming Mark back to work.

He added: "This has been a very long ten months for everyone involved in the case and I am pleased that the verdict has been returned as one of not guilty.

"We are looking forward to getting Mark back to work.

"The service has stuck by him since the beginning of this case and although he has been suspended, this has been on full pay.

"Mark has always denied he was guilty of any offence and we have always believed him on the presumption that people are innocent until proven guilty. I hope Mark and his family can now start to get back to a normal life."

Det Insp Bob Eastwood, who led the investigation into the rape allegations, added: "This matter was thoroughly investigated by the police with the full co-operation of Lancashire Ambulance and the jury have returned its verdict of not guilty.

"Members of the Special Constabulary are volunteers who work closely with their regular colleagues to make communities feel safer.

"Lancashire Police will be reviewing Mark's continuation in the special constabulary. At this time our main thoughts are with the welfare of the alleged victim."

Mr Evans had denied allegations of two counts of rape and one of indecent assault allegedly committed on January 6 after he met a 21-year-old mother in a nightclub and took her back to his parents' house while they were away.

She alleged she was tied up and raped after possibly being drugged.

Mr Evans admitted that sex took place but claimed it was with the woman's full consent.