A FORMER lay preacher and housemaster has been cleared of sexually abusing boys in his care more than 20 years ago.

A jury at Warrington Crown Court found William Charlesworth, aged 73, not guilty of seven charges of indecent assault dating from the 1970s.

Mr Charlesworth, now living in retirement at Cossack Street, Rochester, but formerly a housemaster at the school in Congleton had denied the offences.

He told the court he had been shocked when the allegations were made and his counsel, Michael Farmer QC, claimed the prosecution had turned his clients lifetime of selfless kindness against him.

He said when he was 71 two of the accusers emerged from the past to point the finger at him and, 15 months later, after a delay that was wholly unexplained, another had emerged.

There were no records and witnesses had either died or could not be traced and Mr Charlesworth was placed at a serious disadvantage in trying to defend himself.

"The prosecution has used this man's lifetime of selfless kindness and turned it against him," he said. "If the prosecution's approach to this were applied to the Good Samaritan he would have a hard time."

Mr Farmer had told the jury his client had no previous convictions of any kind, he had testimonials to show he had been trustworthy, reliable and efficient throughout his life.

By contrast, he added, those who accused him had substantial convictions for dishonesty and could have an axe to grind.

He also suggested that the issue of compensation could be lurking in the background.

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