A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has been cleared of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl after the parents of a key prosecution witness decided not to let their daughter give evidence.

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has been cleared of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl after the parents of a key prosecution witness decided not to let their daughter give evidence.

The boy, who comes from Ipswich, but who cannot be named by order of the court, had been accused of assaulting his teenage victim more than a year ago.

But Anthony Bate, prosecuting at Ipswich Crown Court, said no evidence was being offered on the charge because a 12-year-old girl, who was the key witness, would not be taking the stand.

He added her parents were "no longer willing" for her to give evidence and Judge John Devaux recorded a not guilty verdict.

Simon Spence, representing the 16-year-old, said: "It is a shame it has taken such a long time for this decision to be made.

"This case has been going on for a year and it has had an adverse effect on him and his behaviour."

Judge Devaux added he "would be interested" to know why the witness's parents has taken the decision.