A Kendal man accused of an alleged serious sex assault on a child has been acquitted by a jury.
Carlton Robert Taylor went on trial at Carlisle Crown Court having denied one charge in relation to an alleged historic incident which was said to have occurred in the Kendal area almost 25 years ago.
The 58-year-old had told police who initially interviewed him the allegation was a "pack of lies".
And, giving evidence on his defence during the trial, he stated he had not committed any crime.
He also insisted he did not even know the child concerned.
Having heard all the evidence in the case, a jury of nine men and three women today returned a unanimous not guilty verdict.
As a result Mr Taylor, of Peat Lane, Kendal, was told by Judge Tony Lancaster: "You are free to go."