A FORMER security guard claims his life is in ruins after being charged with indecent assault - despite him being found not guilty.

Geoffrey Hinton, of Barrymore Avenue, Latchford, was cleared of six charges at Warrington Crown Court but he claims the stigma attached to the allegations has forced him to become a recluse.

Mr Hinton has had to put up with dirty looks, friends ignoring him, rumours that he was found guilty in court and abuse being hurled at him in the street because many people have refused to accept the verdict.

And the humiliation has become so unbearable in recent months that Mr Hinton, who suffered a nervous breakdown earlier in the year and is still taking medication, rarely sets foot outside.

He said: "When I was found not guilty by the court in January, I thought that justice had been served and that I could get on with my life.

"But straight away, I realised that it wasn't going to be like that. People who I thought were my friends didn't want to know me any more.

"Things got so bad that I thought about killing myself and if it wasn't for my sister standing by me through it all and my true friends offering me support, I wouldn't be hear now."

Mr Hinton, who is unemployed, spends most of his time at his sister's house because he cannot stand being alone and that the only time he can relax is when he stays with friends who live outside Warrington where he is afforded anonymity.

He avoids Warrington town centre in case he is subject to verbal abuse from people he knows who refuse to accept the court's verdict.

Mr Hinton's sister, Beverley Lee, has noticed a change in her brother's personality as he has tried to cope with the rejection of some family members and former friends.

Beverley, who lives on Densham Avenue, Longford, said: "Geoffrey used to be outgoing. He was always larking about, laughing and joking, and now he is always depressed and just sits around brooding.

"What ever happened to the principle of people being innocent until proven guilty? I would trust him with my kids and there aren't many people who I would.

"He is being victimised for something that he didn't do, something that everyone knows he didn't do, and it's ruining his life."

Mr Hinton added: "I had a lot of friends and I've never hurt anybody. I've always tried to help people if I can.

"I proved my innocence by going to court and giving my version of events. I just want to clear my name once and for all and most of all, I want my life back."

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