A CONCERNED stepfather today demanded justice for three schoolgirls after the case against a man accused of sex offences against them collapsed.

James Hawthornthwaite, 77, formerly of Hilton Residential Home, in Darwen, was due to appear at Preston Crown Court in September charged with sex offences against three girls.

But independent doctors ruled that he was not fit to enter a plea after suffering from a stroke.

The charges have been allowed to lie on the file.

A report from the doctors found he was "unable to grasp and understand the court process."

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the offences and should Hawthornthwaite be declared fit, the trial could still go ahead.

The stepfather of one of the victims said today: "The police and the Crown Prosecution Service have been brilliant but we are so disappointed that justice has not been seen to have been done.

"No-one has been made responsible for what has happened and the families want answers."

The charges relate to offences alleged to have taken place between 1991 and 1997, although were not reported until around 18 months ago.

Since then, said the stepfather, who cannot be named as it could identify the victim, the families involved have gone "through hell."

He said: "This absolutely floored the girl's mother. She is devastated. Her mother and I are doing our best to keep it away from her but she will feel so let down when she finds out."

The stepfather said the families' anger was compounded when Hawthornthwaite was spotted back in Darwen.

Conditions were imposed on the pensioner during legal proceedings which kept him out of the town. Because any trial was suspended those restrictions were lifted and police said he is now living back in Darwen.

Detective Sergeant Ian Critchley said: "When the conditions were lifted by the court, Hawthornthwaite was free to live where he pleased.

"I can sympathise with the families of the alleged victims but would also stress that this person remains unconvicted and in the eyes of the law free to live where he wants.

"Obviously we are disappointed that the alleged victims will not be allowed to give their version of events in court and that Hawthornthwaite won't face the full judicial process.

"But police officers have spoken to the alleged victims throughout this investigation process and they have taken some satisfaction from the fact that this male has been interviewed, charged and put through the court process for the alleged offences."