A male nurse has been cleared of sexually assaulting a patient at a Canterbury care home.

Laurence Arnold, 58, of Wantsum Close, Herne Bay, has been acquitted by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court on two charges of sexual assault.

Arnold, who denied both charges, told the court he had an amiable nurse-patient relationship with the woman, although he said he did not think she liked him.

He denied he had ever said she had beautiful or really shiny skin, or made inappropriate comments about her breasts.

The court had earlier heard how the woman alleged Arnold lifted her breast with his hands, claiming he was checking for dry skin.

He also denied getting sexually aroused by rubbing himself against her as she was being moved to a commode.

During the trial, Arnold denied touching her breasts. "I am quite shocked to have this allegation that this was sexual," he added. "I have been a nurse for a long time. This is ridiculous."

He told the court he had been wearing a work tunic at the time and the two pockets contained a large hands-free phone and two to three bottles of a drinks supplement given to patients.

Later that evening, he received a call saying he had been suspended - followed five days later by a police interview.

"I was very upset," Arnold said. "I have always prided myself on being a caring, thorough and good nurse."