A CARE worker from Great Paxton has said he plans to go back into community work despite his nightmare year facing charges that he sexually assaulted a man in his care. Neil Taylor stood in the dock and cheered as the jury delivered their three unanimous

A CARE worker from Great Paxton has said he plans to go back into community work despite his nightmare year facing charges that he sexually assaulted a man in his care.

Neil Taylor stood in the dock and cheered as the jury delivered their three unanimous not guilty verdicts at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday.

Mr Taylor had been accused of twice sexually assaulting a 61- year-old Peterborough man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who was in his care.

It was also alleged that he punched him in the leg while on a trip to the East Of England Show in June last year. He had always denied the allegations.

After being cleared on all counts, the 39-year-old said: "For a year, this nightmare has been hanging over me because of this man's lies.

"It has cost me a year of my life, and a lot of money to get this far.

"But now the truth has come out, and it is such a relief."

Mr Taylor had spent 15 years looking after his disabled father before starting work with mentally handicapped adults, and he said his experience would not put him off going back to a similar job. He said: "I hope to continue working in community health work. I think I would like to work with children now.

"This experience has put me off working with adults with mental problems, but I have enjoyed my work in the community in the past, and would like to continue in it."

It took the jury less than three hours to reach their verdict, and Mr Taylor said: "I have had to put my life on hold for a year while this has happened.

"The pressure on me has been enormous, something no one else could ever appreciate, and I am so glad it is over. It is a huge weight off my shoulders.

"At the end of the day justice has been done, as it should be in this country. I was always confident and had the belief that the jury would find me not guilty."

In his defence Mr Taylor, who had denied the charges throughout the six-day trial, had said the man, who has severe learning disabilities, had told lies about other staff members before the incident.