A West Cumbrian man has been cleared of rape.

Grant Nolan, 27, went on trial at Carlisle Crown Court earlier this week after denying one charge of rape following an alleged incident at a new year party near Egremont on January 1 last year.

Mr Nolan gave evidence during the three-day trial. He told jurors there was a brief sexual encounter with a woman who later told others and police she had been raped.

But the incident between the pair, he said, was entirely consensual.

Mr Nolan dismissed the female's claim that she woke to find him on top of her. He stated she had been awake at all times during sexual contact which she instigated.

He said that she was a willing participant.

The court heard Mr Nolan was arrested by police several hours after the incident. His immediate reply was: "I just had sex with her."

When asked in court by his barrister whether he had raped the woman, Mr Nolan replied: "No."

After deliberating for three-and-a-quarter hours today, a jury of six men and six women acquitted Mr Nolan on a majority verdict.

Recorder Ahmed Nadim discharged Mr Nolan, of Egremont, from the court dock, and said: "You are free to go."