FORMER councillor Mark McCarthy has thanked his "numerous" supporters after he was cleared of sexually assaulting a baby boy.
In a statement, Mr McCarthy, 37, said he was "shocked and aghast" when he first learned of the "malicious" allegations and spoke of the impact the case has had on his family.
Click here to see Mr McCarthy's hand-written statement.He said: "It goes without saying what a tortuous time this has been for my family, friends and me.
"The embarrassment caused by the adverse publicity has caused much distress to my family and friends.
"Finally, I would like to thank so many people, too numerous to mention, for cards, bouquets, phone calls, text messages and so on.
"Having been cleared of this sick allegation I can now look forward to a happier future."
Mr McCarthy was cleared of two counts of indecent assault on a child at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (October 3).
But the former Worthing councillor was found guilty of making a threatening phone call with the intention of perverting the course of justice, after the court heard McCarthy told the boy's mother he would publish naked photos of her in newspapers if she gave evidence against him.
He will return to court on October 31 for sentencing but has been told by Judge Anthony King he could expect to avoid prison.
-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Worthing news.Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.ukThe full article contains 267 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
