A Letchworth school caretaker has today been cleared of a number of child sex charges.

A jury at Cambridge Crown Court acquitted Steven Garrott, 57, of Archers Way, of three counts of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault, all concerning a girl under 13.

The three-day trial, overseen by Judge David Farrell QC, related to incidents alleged in court by prosecutor Isobel Ascherson to have happened in 2015.

Mr Garrott, defended by Clare Dowse, pleaded not guilty to all counts and told the court these alleged events did not happen.

The jury of six men and six women found him not guilty on all counts.

Mr Garrott was suspended by Icknield Infant and Nursery School – where he has worked as a caretaker – following his arrest, and has yet to be reinstated. The court heard that the complainant, who has automatic anonymity for life under the Sexual Offences Act, had never been a pupil at the school.

Headteacher Jackie Egan said: “Following the verdict we will be continuing the disciplinary and safeguarding processes that were initiated upon Mr Garrott’s arrest. Until these processes are complete he will remain suspended from work and will not be permitted on the school grounds.”