Social worker cleared of sex offences

A Lancashire social worker has been cleared of committing sex offences against two 15-year-old boys.

Lisa Smith, of Chorley, was found not guilty at Preston Crown Court of five charges relating to one teenager.

The 26-year-old was cleared of nine charges relating to the second boy on Thursday.

She had been accused of forming relationships with the boys at Glendale Community Home in Leyland where she was a resident social worker.

She told the jury there had been a culture of complaint at the home and said the boys had told gross lies.

The jury took three hours to deliver its verdict on Friday and just 15 minutes on Thursday.

Outside court, Ms Smith's solicitor said she was "greatly relieved to have been vindicated by the decision of the jury.

"She has always strenuously denied the allegations made against her and, whilst the proceedings themselves have been a terrible strain, has maintained her utmost faith in the jury system."