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Leazes park sex attack accused cleared Leazes Park sex attack accused Syrian men cleared
(35 minutes later)
Three men have been cleared of sexually assaulting two schoolgirls in a park. Three Syrian men have been cleared of sexually assaulting two schoolgirls in a park.
Mohammed Alfrouh, 20, Omar Badreddin, 18, and Mohammed Allakkoud, 18, of Newcastle, were cleared of all charges at Newcastle Crown Court.Mohammed Alfrouh, 20, Omar Badreddin, 18, and Mohammed Allakkoud, 18, of Newcastle, were cleared of all charges at Newcastle Crown Court.
Mr Badreddin was cleared of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old in Leazes Park, Newcastle, in May.Mr Badreddin was cleared of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old in Leazes Park, Newcastle, in May.
Mr Alfrouh was cleared of three counts of sexual assault and Mr Allakkoud was cleared of a single charge of sexual assault. Mr Alfrouh was cleared of three counts of sexual assault and Mr Allakkoud of a single charge of sexual assault.
'Inconsistencies in evidence'
Mr Alfrouh was accused of kissing one girl in the park on two consecutive nights, and of also molesting a girl Mr Badreddin was accused of kissing behind a pavilion.
The 18-year-old insisted he did not know she was 14.
Mr Allakkuod was accused by one of the girls of holding her mouth and nose while she was attacked.
During the two-week trial defence barristers applied for the case to be thrown out, but it can now be reported.
They said that there were inconsistencies in the complainants' evidence to police, to the court and in cross-examination.
'Free country'
The three Syrians who came to the UK after fleeing the civil war wept in the dock after they were cleared.
Mr Badreddin came to the UK from Jordan as part of a commitment by former Prime Minister David Cameron to allow 20,000 Syrian refugees to live in Britain.
His family were being filmed by a BBC Newsnight team when the events unfolded. His older brother died in Syria and he left school at 14 to provide for his family.
Outside court a spokesman for the defendants said: "They came from Syria to live in peace - no trouble.
"They believe the judge is fair. This is a free country, it is not like Syria."
Ch Insp Steve Ammari said: "We thank the complainants for their support and help throughout."