A man of 61 nearly collapsed after his name was cleared in an indecent assault case involving two young girls.

Grandfather Ken Hedley had trouble standing as the Basildon Crown Court jury returned six not guilty verdicts freeing him of all charges.

The defendant wiped away tears as he left the court room and once outside had to steady himself by holding on to a chair in the foyer.

Earlier in the five-day trial Hedley, of Lifstan Way, Southend, had said how he believed in the death penalty for paedophiles.

He said: "I have always wanted to be the one to pull the lever and hang them down.

"I have never harmed a child physically, sexually or mentally. I never have and I never will."

He later added: "My life has been destroyed because of this. My friends, my sons and daughters, my home, has all gone. I've got nothing left now and I've done nothing wrong."

Hedley became friends with the girls' mother after her divorce.

The two girls, now aged seven and 11, were questioned via a video link during the trial.

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