A MAN cleared of murdering a fellow alcoholic during a drinking binge has told how he plans to make a new start for himself.As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Star, Henry Cran went on trial for the murder of Terrance O'Leary during a drinking bout in a flat in Lowestoft.

A MAN cleared of murdering a fellow alcoholic during a drinking binge has told how he plans to make a new start for himself.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Star, Henry Cran went on trial for the murder of Terrance O'Leary during a drinking bout in a flat in Lowestoft.

Mr Cran, 55, of London Road South, Lowestoft, had denied murdering Mr O'Leary and an alternative charge of his manslaughter.

He was cleared on both charges on the direction of Judge John Devaux after the Crown Prosecution Service asked for the case to be dropped following evidence from its key witness.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Cran said: "I have always felt innocent and I have always been innocent. I now want to get on with my life as normally as I can."

But Mr Cran added he would be leaving Lowestoft because of the bad memories that the town held for him.

Ipswich Crown Court heard Mr Cran, his partner Marie Don and Mr O'Leary had been at her flat in Marine Parade, Lowestoft, on November 19 last year.

The court was told there had been an argument and Mr Cran had punched Mr O'Leary in the face. He was taken to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, but died later from a brain bleed.

However, when Mrs Don was called to give evidence yesterday, she denied there had been any argument or punch thrown.

Mrs Don said she, Mr Cran, Mr O'Leary and Jessie McEwen - who was Mr O'Leary's partner and Mr Cran's half-sister - were all alcoholics and were at the flat during a drinking binge.

She told the court Mr O'Leary had been prodding his partner and then had been staggering about and knocked against the television.

"Henry pushed Terry in the face to quieten him down," said Mrs Don, denying Mr Cran had used a clenched fist. "Terry went down on his bottom and got up and sat back in the chair."

Questioned by defence barrister, Graham Parkins QC, Mrs Don said Mr

O'Leary "fell about mostly all the time" and added: "I have rarely seen him

without a drink."

The court also heard from a consultant neuro-pathologist, who said Mr O'Leary's brain bleed could be linked to a brain bleed he suffered a few weeks earlier - in effect a re-bleed - and that could have been caused by a violent movement of the head.