A WESTY man has won a battle against a conviction of indecent assault that has lasted for almost four years.

David Thackeray was found guilty of an attack on a 13-year-old girl in December 2004 – but the Court of Appeal in London has now cleared his name.

Mr Thackeray, aged 46, was jailed for one year following his conviction at Warrington Crown Court and made to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

But after a marathon legal battle he has won the right to clear his name.

The Crown Prosecution Service did not offer any evidence after his legal team, led by John Banasko, presented new evidence before the court.

The court heard that the 13-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has made up false rape allegations before – one just months after those made against Mr Thackeray.

An initial appeal was lost in March 2005 but now, three years after his release and more than four since the false allegations, Mr Thackeray is a free man.

He said the whole episode has been a massive strain but was delighted to clear his name.

He added: “I had people coming up to me in the street, shouting at me.

“But my family and neighbours really stood by me.

“I want to thank everyone for their support throughout this whole situation.

“And I want to thank my legal team for all their hard work. Mr Banasko has put in such a lot of hard work.”

The full summary of the Appeal Court hearing, held in June, is due later this month.