A 46-year-old man has been cleared of a charge involving an under-age prostitute after the prosecution offered no evidence against him.

Gary Crane had indicated a not guilty plea to paying for the sexual services of a child under 18 in High Street, Rochester, on July 3 last year.

Danny Moore, prosecuting, told Maidstone Crown Court that in the light of recent disclosures made by the 16-year-old girl there was no longer a reasonable prospect of a conviction.

Recording a verdict of not guilty, Judge Warwick McKinnon granted Crane, of Downham Way, Bromley, costs of £20 to meet his travel expenses.