A JUDGE has warned that lessons must be learned after a trial involving a severely disabled witness collapsed at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Andrew Dyson, aged 38, of Springside Avenue, Walkden and Paul Spencer, aged 44, of West Way, Little Hulton were acquitted of seven charges of indecent assault last month.

They had been employed by Salford Social Services to wash and dress the wheelchair bound man at his home in Salford, where the abuse was said to have taken place.

The collapse of their trial followed the cross examination of the alleged victim, who suffers from spina bifida and hydracephalus, by defending lawyers.

Judge Peter Larkin, who then ordered an inquiry into the handling of the case, said it was clear that the man, who lives in Salford, could not cope with the questioning.

At Minshull Street Crown Court he stated that while he was satisfied the prosecution took appropriate advice and conducted the case as sensitively as possible, there could have been greater discussion with the man's parents, social services and doctor about what would happen during the cross examination process.

"It seems to me that if there is one lesson to be learnt from this difficult case then that is the one," he said.