A CHILDREN'S home manager has been told he cannot return to work immediately, despite being cleared of carrying out sex attacks on three women.

Christopher Winstanley Smith, a team manager at the Aycliffe Young People's Centre for child offenders, at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was found not guilty of indecent assault last week.

He had been suspended from his job for the duration of the investigation, but centre bosses say they need to look at the allegations more closely before deciding if he can return to work.

During the eight-day trial at Teesside Crown Court, two women claimed Mr Winstanley Smith, 41, had attacked them after he escorted them home from the staff bar.

A third said a sex attack had taken place when he came to her home.

Mr Winstanley Smith admitted that he had affairs with the three women, but claimed they had launched a conspiracy against him, possibly in order to win compensation.

A spokesman for Durham County Council said yesterday: "Mr Winstanley Smith was suspended from his post to help the police with their inquiries and to ensure that the investigation was transparent.

"Our understanding is that their inquiries involved allegations made against Mr Winstanley Smith relating to matters outside his place of work, and as such we have not been privy to them.

"All we know is what has been reported in the Press as a result of court proceedings.

"Now that those proceedings are over, we will be examining the circumstances surrounding the allegations made against him and meeting Mr Winstanley Smith to discuss the situation before coming to any view.

"Until then, Mr Winstanley Smith's suspension will be extended.