CARE worker Stephen Milbourn gave up his 25-year career, sold his £100,000 home and moved his family to Spain after the pressure of facing false allegations became too much for him to bear.

It took two-and-a-half years for the trial to go ahead and Mr Milbourn, originally from Seymour Park, Newcastle, would fly back to England to make his court appearances.

After his first appearance, three charges of physical assault were thrown out because of lack of evidence. It took the jury less than an hour to reject the remaining charge.

Speaking from his home in Spain last night, he said: "The police were grasping at straws.

"They brought blokes to court to give evidence, three of whom came from prison in handcuffs. They were making allegations from ten to 13 years ago.

"This has had a terrible effect on me and my family. You're not employable after something like that. We knew our lives were in ruin and decided to start again."

Mr Milbourn, 48, moved to Spain to run a successful bar and cafe business with wife Diane, also a former care manager, and his young daughter.

He said it was unlikely the family would move back to Britain. "I feel very, very bitter," he said.

"If people abuse kids and are convicted for it then fair enough, but there has got to be some sanity in it some where to say if these allegations are true or false."