Sex-trial verdicts drama

TEACHER Neil Carr, cleared of three of 20 charges

Teacher cleared on three charges – still to face 17 more
TEACHER Neil Carr has been dramatically acquitted of three of 20 charges of sexual assault.

The 25-year-old, who was accused of sexually touching seven young boys in the classroom, stood visibly quivering in the dock as the jury spokesman rose to read the verdicts at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court after a day and a half of deliberation.

The jury — eight men and four women — came to unanimous not-guilty decisions on three of the 20 charges of sexual assault on a child under 13.

The jury was set to continue its deliberations today. Carr has vehemently denied the claims throughout.

The first three verdicts came at the end of a tense and emotionally-charged day as supporters of Carr’s family and families of the alleged victims waited in the court corridors. Their separation represented the split of an entire school community.

Carr’s mother, father and sister all gripped hands as the jury filed into the courtroom to deliver the first of their staggered verdicts, his mother visibly distressed.

The day’s events signalled the near-end of the rollercoaster trial that has seen parents, pupils and teachers give evidence both against and in support of the young teacher.


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