Two not guilty of 1970s sex abuse

Two people accused of sex abuse dating back to the 1970s in Hampshire's New Forest have been found not guilty on the directions of the judge.

Terence Shave, 65, of Bramshaw Way, New Milton, was cleared of indecent assault at Southampton Crown Court.

Patrice Budd, of Avon Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, was found not guilty of indecency with a child.

Seven others are still on trial for alleged abuse in the New Milton area between 1968 and 2007.

The charges relate to six victims.

The five men and two women on trial deny all the charges against them.

The defendants are:

• Michael Brooks, 66, of Church Lane, Lymington, charged with five counts of cruelty to a person under 16 years, five counts of indecent assault, five counts of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child.

• Maureen Brooks, 63, of Church Lane, Lymington, charged with five counts of cruelty to a person under the age of 16.

• Nico Sharque, 45, of Rudd Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, charged with one count of indecent assault.

• Patricia Harris, 57, of Hare Lane, New Milton, charged with one count of attempted rape.

• Ian Whitlock, 66, of Cull Lane, New Milton, charged with one count of indecent assault and once count of sexual assault.

• John Wells, 58, of St James Street, Brighton, charged with one count of indecent assault.

• Peter Saville, 64, of Winston Way, Ringwood, charged with one count of sexual activity with a child.

Earlier in the trial, the court heard the case centred on Mr and Mrs Brooks.

David Bartlett, for the prosecution, said the couple and their friends lived a "life of freewheeling and often alcohol-fuelled sexual indulgence".

Mr Brooks, the court heard, was given to "heavy and frequent drinking, which often led to violent outbursts".

Michael Brooks was judged unfit to plead but a Court of Appeal ruling meant the jury will decide if he committed the alleged acts.