A MAN has been acquitted of sexually assaulting a woman in Leigh.

Thomas Cooper, 24, of Rayleigh Road, Leigh, stood trial for allegedly sexually assaulting the woman by forcibly kissing her.

The alleged offence took place on Christmas Day in 2019.

Mr Cooper always denied sexual assault, but had already admitted assaulting another man that the woman had been walking with.

Following a short trial at Basildon Crown Court, the jury of eight women and four men acquitted Mr Cooper of sexual assault yesterday.

The jury was then discharged.