This is Bristol --
A MAN has been cleared of sexually abusing a Bristol schoolgirl.
Gavin Nellis fought back tears as he said he was upset when told about allegations made by the child and felt "awful".
Bristol Crown Court heard the child was caught smoking at school – and when she was told her parents would be informed, she said she was being touched improperly.
Mr Nellis, 38, of Cedarwood Glade in Stainton, Middlesbrough, denied nine sexual assaults on the girl when she was aged 11 to 14.
It was claimed Mr Nellis touched the youngster's private parts and chest.
A jury of nine women and three men acquitted him in just over three hours.
He had previously told the jury: "I felt awful, being accused of something you did not do." Reported by This is 1 hour ago.
A MAN has been cleared of sexually abusing a Bristol schoolgirl.
Gavin Nellis fought back tears as he said he was upset when told about allegations made by the child and felt "awful".
Bristol Crown Court heard the child was caught smoking at school – and when she was told her parents would be informed, she said she was being touched improperly.
Mr Nellis, 38, of Cedarwood Glade in Stainton, Middlesbrough, denied nine sexual assaults on the girl when she was aged 11 to 14.
It was claimed Mr Nellis touched the youngster's private parts and chest.
A jury of nine women and three men acquitted him in just over three hours.
He had previously told the jury: "I felt awful, being accused of something you did not do." Reported by This is 1 hour ago.