Man cleared of child sex charges (From The Northern Echo)
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Man cleared of child sex charges
5:20pm Friday 1st February 2013 in News
By Stuart Arnold
A MAN on trial over a series of child sex charges has walked free from court after a jury found him not guilty on all counts.
Paul Needham, of Hartington Way, Darlington, thanked the jury at Teesside Crown Court after they delivered their verdict on the historic sex allegations.
There was also sobbing from the public gallery, where some of Mr Needham's family were sat.
The 62-year-old had denied six counts or rape, eight counts of indecent assault and eight counts of indecency with a child.
Judge Howard Crowson said Mr Needham was free to go and also praised the jury for their efforts during the four-day long trial.
