Ex-Corrie Quinten cleared of rape

Chris Quinten has been cleared of raping a student in a nightclub.

A jury at London's Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court accepted the former Coronation Street star's explanation that the woman agreed to sex at a birthday party.

Quinten – who played mechanic Brian Tilsley for 10 years – shouted "thank you" and raised his arms as the verdict was delivered.

He spoke of his relief outside the court. "My nightmare is over," he declared. "Even though I have known I was always innocent of all charges made against me and knew if I did go to trial I would be acquitted, it has been the worst time of my life.

"I have literally been to hell and thank goodness I am back today." The actor also thanked his girlfriend Alison Slater for sticking by him, saying: "I broke her heart because of being unfaithful.

"She knew all along I was not capable of this vile crime I was supposed to have committed. She stood by me from day one of the trial."

The 21-year-old had claimed Quinten forced himself on her while in the club.