A convicted paedophile has been found not guilty of breaching a sexual offences order.

Lancaster, aged 42, was cleared of persistently loitering outside a primary school while youngsters played in the playground, at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday.

Lancaster faced the jury after allegedly breaking the sex offender's order which prohibits him from waiting near schools, shops and businesses until it expires in 2008.

The court heard Lancaster originally from Padgate had been living at Linden Bank bail hostel, accused of lurking outside the school on several occasions.

Defence barrister Michael Davies refuted the charge that Lancaster had flouted the conditions of the sex order.

The defendant sported a black eye and swollen face after he was attacked in prison on Monday night.