A FORMER college music director who was accused of historical sex offences has been acquitted.

Malcolm Archer, formerly of High Street, Odiham appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court last week charged with indecent assault and indecency with a child.

The case relates to incidents which involved a boy under the age of 16 and were reported to have been committed between 1978 and 1979 in the Chelmsford area.

Mr Archer, previously director of chapel music at Winchester College, and formerly of Edgar Road, had been at the private school for ten years before leaving in November 2017.

However, following the trial the jury found the 67-year-old not guilty and he was acquitted of all charges.

Mr Archer’s co-defendant Kenneth Francis was found guilty of 17 offences, he is due to be sentenced on Tuesday 27 August.