A MAN has been cleared of raping a woman said to be "vulnerable and damaged".

James McKee was found not guilty of the charge following a four-day trial at Burnley Crown Court. The 31-year-old, of Queen Street, Clayton le Moors, denied the allegation.

The jury had heard claims that the defendant turned up at the woman's flat in the early hours after meeting her in a pub.

The alleged victim was said to be a binge drinker, who was on anti-depressants and had a lot of personal problems. She had only just moved into her home and had been introducing herself in the pub.

She had just come out of a long-term relationship and it was claimed she was emotionally stressed. McKee was alleged to have suggested they have sex even though the complainant told him she was a lesbian. It was claimed he told her: "Everyone is gay."

He was then alleged to have pulled down the woman's clothing before forcing himself on her, giving her a love bite and then falling asleep.

The woman called police and an officer arrived and arrested the defendant. McKee told the court he had been drunk when he arrived at the flat. He said he gave the woman a love bite and went to sleep, but they did not have sex.