A PROFESSIONAL golfer accused of sexually abusing a schoolgirl on club grounds has been cleared of all but one count - with jurors unable to decide on the final charge.

Prosecutors at Oxford Crown Court had claimed that Derek Craik, of Oxford Road, Frilford Heath, embarked on a two-week campaign of sexual abuse while he was playing professionally at the Chipping Norton golf club.

The 49-year old had denied six counts alleging historical indecent assault against one teenage girl all alleged to have taken place over a two-week period in the early 2000s.

The panel of jurors were sent home yesterday after they reached not guilty verdicts on five of the six counts after eight hours and 47 minutes of deliberations.

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After presiding Judge Ian Pringle QC asked the panel as to whether they could reach a verdict on the final remaining count it soon became apparent that they could not.

The Judge thanked the panel for their commitment to the case and they were duly sent home.

The case was adjourned until July 19 when a decision will be made by the Crown Prosecution Service as to whether a re-trial on the final count will take place or not.

Craik was released on bail.