A PENSIONER has been cleared by a jury of exposing himself and fondling a nine-year-old girl.

Frederick Brown, 78, was found not guilty of indecent assault after a two day trial at Burnley Crown Court.

He was discharged from the dock by Judge Stuart Brown.

The defendant, formerly of Dale Street, Bacup, had denied the allegation.

The court had heard claims Brown exposed himself to the schoolgirl and touched her bottom.

He was then alleged to have asked her to touch him.

The alleged victim told a six-year-old friend what was supposed to have gone on and the police were alerted after the girl later told her mother.

Brown was arrested and interviewed. He told the police he had not exposed himself deliberately nor touched the child.

The defendant said he had been wearing shorts when he had seen the girl and he may have exposed himself accidentally.