A 64-YEAR-OLD man has been cleared of attacking two women during a birthday celebration in a nightclub.

Pamela Temperley and Judith Libby accused Maurice Usher of punching them, in the 42nd Street club, in Hartlepool.

Miss Temperley, 29, had a split lip and Miss Libby, 37, suffered a fractured cheekbone, Teesside Crown Court was told yesterday.

But Mr Usher said that he had asked one of the women to behave after she lifted up her blouse several times. He said that soon afterwards Miss Temperley struck him, and he pushed her away.

Ian Hudgson, defending, said Miss Libby must have mistaken him for the person who caused her injury on the crowded dance floor.

Months afterwards. they saw Mr Usher in a pub and told police that he was the man who had attacked them.

Mr Usher of Hartlepool, was cleared of two charges of assault in 1999.