Man cleared over sexual offences

A Lancashire man has been cleared of 12 counts of sexual offences following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

Michael Dugdale, 60, who now lives in Spain, was originally charged with 31 sexual offences dating back 30 years but was later reindicted on 16 charges.

He was cleared of six counts each of indecent assault on a female and rape. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on four other indecent assault charges.

A decision will be made on Friday about a retrial over the remaining counts.