A RYDE man charged with one count of child rape was acquitted by a jury at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday.

Phillip Mingay, 56, of George Street, was found not guilty of the sexual offence following a trial.

He had been charged with a historical charge of raping a girl under 16 sometime between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1978.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.