A SOLDIER from Nelson has been cleared of carrying out a racially-aggravated attack on a taxi driver last Boxing Day.

Nathan Akers, 19, of Thursden Place, was charged with racially-aggravated common assault, racially-aggravated damage, and alternative allegations of damage and common assault, at Nelson.

However, Recorder Anthony Cross QC returned a ‘not guilty’ verdict at Burnley Crown Court yesterday after prosecutors said they did not have enough evidence to proceed.

The court heard that Mr Akers had two previous convictions for violent offences in the last year.

Recorder Cross told him: “You’re 19 years old, you’ve had two convictions for violence in the last year and one allegation.

“You had better watch yourself.”