A CARE worker at an East Lancashire home has been cleared of sexually attacking a colleague at work.

Benedict Sanchez, 39, who from the Philippines was found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault after a three-day trial at Burnley Crown Court, he was discharged from the dock by judge Simon Newell.

The defendant formerly of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors had denied the allegations against him and told the hearing nothing inappropriate happened.

The alleged victim had claimed that the defendant had asked her for a hug and a kiss and then tried to kiss her properly as they tended a male resident at the home.

She had claimed he later kissed her neck from behind leaving her with red marks and pressed his body into hers.

The woman had claimed the defendant, whose wife worked the night shift at the same home had unzipped her trousers and fondled her as she tried to wash and dress an elderly woman patient.

The alleged victim had claimed the resident had grabbed her tunic, the top button had opened and Sanchez had then put her onto the bed next to the woman and committed the sex act.

She told the jury the patient who was laughing as she didn't know what was going on was next to her 'half naked' on the bed.

Giving evidence Sanchez told the jury he had never been in trouble with the police before and had no criminal convictions.

The father of two whose wife is expecting another baby said he had been in this country for three years.

Questioned by his barrister Richard Bennett the defendant said he never sexually touched the alleged victim.

He said none of her allegations where true.

Asked by Mr Bennett "Did you on any occasion kiss or sexually assault her? ."

He replied: "No."