A FORMER Redditch school teacher has been cleared on a charge of indecently assaulting a young girl 40 years ago.

75-year-old David Shaw, of Marlbrook Lane in Bromsgrove, pleaded not guilty when the charge was brought against him last month at Worcester Crown Court.

After a trial, the jury was discharged after being unable to reach a verdict.

At a fresh hearing, Peter Grice said the Crown Prosecution Service had considered the evidence and had decided against a re-trial.

He offered no evidence and a not guilty verdict was recorded by Judge Toby Hooper QC.

Mr Shaw was a rural studies teacher at Woodrush High School until his retirement at the age of 59.