A MAN has been cleared of an accusation that he indecently touched a fellow reveller at a New Year party in Lancaster.

It had been alleged that Evan Onyango sexually touched a 14-year-old girl.

But the 24-year-old, of Low Barn, Ewe Bank, Kendal, denied a charge of sexual activity with a child in a trial at Preston Crown Court.

The jury of 12 women took 20 minutes to acquit him.

The case concerned a New Year party at an address on Whern-side Road, Lancaster, attended by both the defendant and the girl.

Tim Ashmole, prosecuting, said the 14-year-old girl went to have a sleep in the small hours and was in a room with another girl when Onyango entered, looking for his coat.

The prosecution claimed that he got into the bed where the two girls were and touched one of them.

When taken to Lancaster police station and interviewed he said he had gone to use the toilet.

He said he went into the room and asked if he could lie down and go to sleep, claiming the girls had agreed to that.

He stated he had been simply lain on the bed and denied any sexual touching.

Mr Ashmole said "The prosecution claims that he touched the girl and did so in an intentional and sexual way."

But in his evidence the defendant said what was alleged against him did not happen.

The not guilty verdict came on the third day of the trial.