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Coronation Street actor cleared of child sex abuse Coronation Street actor cleared of child sex abuse
(35 minutes later)
A former Coronation Street actor has been cleared of four counts of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old boy.A former Coronation Street actor has been cleared of four counts of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old boy.
Andrew Watkinson, 42, from Liverpool, had been on trial at Liverpool Crown Court accused of indecently assaulting a teenage boy in the 1990s.Andrew Watkinson, 42, from Liverpool, had been on trial at Liverpool Crown Court accused of indecently assaulting a teenage boy in the 1990s.
Mr Watkinson, whose professional name is Andrew Lancel, played Frank Foster in the ITV soap.Mr Watkinson, whose professional name is Andrew Lancel, played Frank Foster in the ITV soap.
The jury took just 29 minutes to clear the star.The jury took just 29 minutes to clear the star.
Tears
The judge ruled he was not guilty of two other counts on Thursday.The judge ruled he was not guilty of two other counts on Thursday.
'Sort of mentor'
Judge Clement Goldstone QC directed the jury to find Mr Watkinson not guilty on two of six counts he originally faced because the complainant said he could not be sure the alleged abuse happened before he turned 15.Judge Clement Goldstone QC directed the jury to find Mr Watkinson not guilty on two of six counts he originally faced because the complainant said he could not be sure the alleged abuse happened before he turned 15.
He was charged in November of indecently assaulting the youngster in 1994 when the pair met at a theatre group. The actor was charged in November with indecently assaulting the youngster in 1994 when the pair met at a theatre group.
Mr Watkinson, who appeared in Coronation Street between January 2011 and March 2012, denied any sexual contact ever took place and claimed he acted as a "sort of mentor" to the boy.Mr Watkinson, who appeared in Coronation Street between January 2011 and March 2012, denied any sexual contact ever took place and claimed he acted as a "sort of mentor" to the boy.
The actor, who also appeared in Cardiac Arrest, bit his lip and looked to the ceiling as his wife Louise burst into tears in the public gallery when the verdict was delivered. Outside court, Mr Watkinson, who has also appeared in Cardiac Arrest and The Bill, posed for photographers but declined to comment on the case.
His solicitor Stuart Nolan read a short statement on his behalf, which said: "Andrew would like to thank his family and friends and all parties for their support and prayers.
"He just wants to spend time with his family."