Tyne Tees Courts

28-year-old Charlie Birkett was told by a judge "you are not to blame for this, you are perfectly innocent", after the case against him was dropped.

Lawson Natty, 18, claimed he ran away when Gordon Gault was stabbed and denied any involvement in the incident.

The government says it has made improvements to the way rape is investigated and taken to court, including trialling new technology at Newcastle Crown Court.