Former church organist cleared of sex attacks on girls
A former church organist from Somerset accused of a string of sex attacks on two young girls has been found not guilty of the most serious offences.
Nigel Parkin, 56, was acquitted at Taunton Crown Court of eight charges of rape and two of indecent assault.
The jury could not reach verdicts on the remaining three charges of indecent assault and four of sexual assault.
Prosecutor Sarah Regan asked for a week to consider if the Crown would seek a retrial on the outstanding counts.
Mr Parkin of North Street, Wiveliscombe, faced a total of 17 charges, which were alleged to have been committed on dates between August 1998 and October 2009.
On being told he could leave the dock, Mr Parkin said: "Thank you, your honour."
Mr Parkin is a former organist at St Andrews' Church in Wiveliscombe and a former presenter on the community radio station 10 Radio.