A MAN accused of launching a terrifying gay rape attack after locking his victim inside his flat has been cleared of all charges.

Charles Lakeman, 37, was said to have attacked the man, who cannot be identified, at his home on September 27, last year.

The man told Newcastle Crown Court that he had pleaded with Lakeman to leave him alone but was subjected to a vicious sexual attack and had £150 stolen from his wallet.

Mr Lakeman, of Azalea Terrace, Sunderland, said the man had wanted to be at the flat and was not held against his wishes.

He denied rape, false imprisonment and theft, and was cleared by the jury after four hours of deliberation