A Salisbury man accused of using a woman's hand to touch himself inappropriately while she was asleep has been acquitted by a jury.

Phillip Southgate, 47, had been charged with causing someone to engage in sexual activity without their consent following an incident, recorded on his mobile phone, dating back to July 7, 2018.

But following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court this week, Southgate was acquitted of the charge.

After hearing evidence from both the prosecution and defence, today (May 6) a jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict in less than an hour.

Recorder Malcolm Gibney told the defendant after the verdict that he was "free to go".

Get more Salisbury news and nominate your local heroes for the South Wiltshire Hero Awards.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.