A PAINTER and decorator has been cleared of committing serious sex attacks on three teenagers.Stephen Barratt, formerly of Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, cried with relief and mouthed "Thank you" to the jury as not guilty verdicts were returned on two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault at Ipswich Crown Court.
A PAINTER and decorator has been cleared of committing serious sex attacks on three teenagers.
Stephen Barratt, formerly of Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, cried with relief and mouthed "Thank you" to the jury as not guilty verdicts were returned on two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault at Ipswich Crown Court.
The jury took less than an hour to clear the 33-year-old of the charges.
During the trial the court heard that Barratt had been accused of twice raping a 16-year-old girl, two charges of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl and three counts of indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
Barratt was described by his family as a "loving, helpful and affectionate" person.
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