A jury at Durham Crown Court found Brian Wilson not guilty of attempted rape and sexual assault after deliberating for two hours.

Mr Wilson, who was arrested wearing a pair of his alleged victim's knickers, admitted sexual contact took place, but said the woman had not objected.

The woman claimed Wilson was invited to her house on the understanding he would sleep on the sofa, but he had entered her bedroom uninvited.

Mr Wilson, known as "Shortie", said he had not gone to the woman's house for sex, but "things had just happened".

He said the woman made no complaint to him at the time and he was "amazed" when police turned up at his door several hours later.

"If at any time she had asked me to stop or leave the bedroom, I would have done," added Mr Wilson.

"I did not force her to do anything.

"I realise now it was the worst mistake I've made going round there that night.

"She is one evil woman."

Mr Wilson, 59, of High Street, Easington Lane, was found not guilty of all charges after a three-day trial.