A man who was accused of rape after a woman was attacked outside a leisure complex has been acquitted.

It was reported that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown person near Lockmeadow in Maidstone on the evening of September 2, 2024.

Gytis Lalinauskas was arrested five days later and was then charged with two counts of rape, attempt to rape a woman aged 16 or over, and theft of a laptop.

He was further charged in relation to separate and unrelated offences, of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and possessing an offensive weapon.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to theft, possessing an offensive weapon and possessing cannabis; however, he denied the other charges.

Following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court last week, he was found not guilty by a jury on both counts of rape and attempted rape.

Mr Lalinauskas, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, was also cleared of intending to supply a class B drug at a hearing on Thursday (September 18).

A 37-year-old man, who was also arrested in connection with the investigation, was previously released without charge.