A TAXI driver has been cleared of sexually attacking a lone teenage passenger as he drove her home from her 18th birthday celebrations.

Mazar Sharif, 45, was alleged to have put his arm around the girl's shoulder, placed his hand on her bare leg and tried to kiss her after he was said to have pulled his cab over for the second time during the journey.

The defendant, of Bankhouse Road, Nelson, who was working for Prince or A and B Taxis in Burnley, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

It was claimed in court that the attack had taken place last autumn.

He was acquitted by a jury after a trial this week.

The defendant, who is a man of good character, was discharged from the dock by Judge Simon Newell.