A TEACHER who was cleared of indecently assaulting three girl pupils could have to wait weeks before learning if he can go back to work.

Peter Hewson, of Church Close, Thirsk, in North Yorkshire, has been suspended from his post as a design technology teacher at a Middlesbrough school since July last year.

On Wednesday, the jury threw out claims that he had indecently assaulted two 12-year-old girls and a 13-year-old after only 40 minutes of deliberation.

After the trial, Judge Peter Fox QC told Teesside Crown Court Mr Hewson, 50, could walk away "without a stain on his character".

But he will now have to wait until the governors at the school, which cannot be named for legal reasons, meet to review his position.

A statement from the school said: "The governors are now required by law and established practice to formally review their decision before taking any action.

"This is a complicated process and will take time, but they are dealing with it as a matter of urgency."

Mr Hewson, who has been married for 30 years, said after the court case he wanted to rebuild his life and spend some time with his wife and children.