A MAN accused of sexually abusing children has appeared in court in Bournemouth denying the offences and was cleared of one of the charges.

Adrian Strong took to the stand at Bournemouth Crown Court to face seven allegations dating from 1988 to 1991.

The 59-year-old was facing four charges of indecency with a child and a charge of indecent assault relating to two babysitters.

But judge Peter Johnson ordered the jury to find him not guilty of one count of indecency with a child as the dates of the accusations could not be proved by the prosecution.

The defendant, now of Stowcastle Street, Poundbury, no longer works in childcare and receives incapacity benefit.

He also denies another two charges of indecent assault relating to a child, firstly aged two or three years, and then with the second offence dated to when she was aged between three and six years.

The trial continues.