A MAN has been cleared of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl.

William McKenzie, 39, was found not guilty of three allegations of indecent assault by a Burnley Crown Court jury after a three-day trial.

McKenzie, most recently of Springfield Road, Nelson, was discharged from the dock by Judge Raymond Bennett.

He had denied the alleged victim's claims and told the court they were "absolute rubbish".

The prosecution had alleged the defendant fondled the girl three times. The child had told how she was scared, had not dared move and did not dare tell anybody. She later confided in her best friend.

McKenzie, who has lost his job and been threatened since the charges, told the jury the complainant was making it up, but did not know what she had to gain by it.

He said he had never touched her or any child.

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