A TEACHER was found not guilty yesterday of indecently assaulting three girl pupils after allegations branding him "a pervert".

Peter Hewson, 50, had been suspended since last July from the Middlesbrough school where he taught for 20 years until the claims by two 12-year-olds and another aged 13.

Cleveland Police's child protection unit was called in to investigate reports he inappropriately touched the three girls during class.

Mr Hewson, married for 30 years and a father-of-three, last night paid tribute to his family, friends and colleagues for their "unerring support".

He told Teesside Crown Court during his three-day trial that he had never behaved inappropriately to a child during 23 years in the profession.

The jury took just 40 minutes to find him not guilty of the indecent assaults alleged to have occurred last June.

Mr Hewson told them from the dock: "Thank you - thank you".

Judge Peter Fox QC then announced: "The defendant may be discharged without a stain on his character".

Last night, Mr Hewson, of Church Close, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, said in a statement through his solicitor: "I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to my family and friends and to my professional colleagues for their unerring support, without which I could not have endured these difficult times.

"While I am delighted to have been found not guilty of the allegations, all I wish to do is to try to rebuild my life and to spend some time with my wife and dear children."

No decision had been taken about his future at the school, which cannot be identified for legal reasons.