A minibus driver accused of raping a mother-of-one has been cleared of attacking her after a night out.

David Briggs, who worked at the United taxi office in Darlington, was accused of raping the woman after she ordered a cab following a night out.

It was alleged the 33-year-old attacked her in her home in the town's North Road area after picking her up in a white minibus early on October 21.

The married father stood trial at Teesside Crown Court, accused of one count of rape, which he denied.

Yesterday, after four hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a 10-2 majority verdict of not guilty.

The court was told the alleged victim had been drinking in Darlington town centre and visited Escapade nightclub, in Gladstone Street, before going next door to the United taxi office.

The woman admitted that she was drunk at the time of the incident and she had no memory of the taxi journey home.

Mr Briggs, of Kexwith Moor Close, Darlington, denied the allegations and said she consented to sex.

He told the jury the woman had consented and he felt guilty for cheating on his wife with her.

The driver said he pulled on his clothes and left when she became upset, telling him: "We can't do this because if my boyfriend finds out he will kill me."

Mr Briggs told the court: "I thought she was an attractive girl. But I did not rape her, I had her full consent."