A bus driver accused of carrying out a string of s

A bus driver accused of carrying out a string of sexual assaults on three young girls walked free after he was cleared by a jury today.

(Monday)

Edward Payne, 60, was alleged to molested the youngsters, all under the age of 14, at his home and the bus depot where he worked.

A jury took eight hours to clear him of all ten allegations following a week-long trial at the Old Bailey.

Payne broke down in tears and thanked the jury after they returned not guilty verdicts.

The court heard that from his first police interview in July last year, Payne insisted he was innocent of the charges dating back to the 1960’s.

One of the assaults was alleged to have happened in the workshop at his home.

Payne said he had worked on his cars there but strenuously denied acting improperly with any youngsters.

He also remembered attending the bus depot as he helped to prepare vehicles, but insisted he had never laid a hand on a child there.

The pensioner of Leicester Avenue, West Ham, denied eight counts of indecent assault, one count of rape, and one of indecency with a child.

The charges related to dates between February 26 1966 and October 10 1980.

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