A TAXI driver accused of having sex with a 14-year-old schoolgirl in a lay-by is facing jail after being convicted of a string of charges.

Shakil Munir, 32, was found guilty late yesterday afternoon of four counts of sexual activity with a child and one of child abduction.

Munir, of Tollesby Road, Tollesby, Middlesbrough, had denied all of the charges, and faced a trial at Teesside Crown Court with others.

The jury panel was sent home last night and will continue considering verdicts three charges against a 17-year-old boy this morning.

The Teesside teenager, who cannot be named, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.

Earlier yesterday, two other defendants in the trial - over alleged grooming and exploitation - were cleared of all the charges they faced.

Ibrar Mahmood, 18, of Breckon Hill Road, Middlesbrough, was found not guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child, and three of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Junaid Butt, also 18, of Kensington Road, Middlesbrough, was cleared of one charge of sexual activity with a child, and one of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.

The case continues.