A JURY took just 20 minutes to clear a Caton pub landlord and three other men of rape on Thursday.

Trevor Latus, 42, walked free from Preston Crown Court after being acquitted of raping a woman at a Clitheroe pub where he was the manager. Latus, who was suspended following the allegations, refused to comment after the verdict. Judge Peter Openshaw QC thanked the jury for their attention to the case and stated that Latus could have his costs met from central funds. The prosecution alleged that the woman had been gang raped but all four men denied and said she had stripped off and willingly taken part in sex acts.

Latus of the Black Bull Inn at Caton and the three other defendants were discharged.