A DRIVING instructor charged with sexually assaulting a female student has been found not guilty.

Judge Brian Forster QC directed the jury to find David North not guilty half-way through the prosecution's case on Tuesday in light of new evidence presented to the court.

David North, who runs his own school known as Dave's Driving based in Christchurch, was alleged to have often touched a 21-year-old and took an 'inappropriate' interest in her while she learned to drive in his car.

On one occasion he was said to have shown her a website for escorts and described his preferred breast size.

At the end of the lesson, the instructor allegedly grabbed her by the waist and pressed his body against hers, saying 'you haven't said goodbye.'

However, after new evidence was presented by Tom Ackworth, mitigating, Judge Forster QC directed the jury to find the defendant not guilty.

Mr North made no comment as he walked out of Bournemouth Crown Court.