A jury has failed to reach a verdict over claims a children’s home worker sexually abused a boy for seven years in the late 60s and early 70s.
Philip Collins was standing trial at Croydon Crown Court charged with one attempt to commit buggery and 18 counts of indecent assault, dating back to 1968 when he worked at Malvern House in Kenley.
All the charges relate to one person, who said he was seven when Mr Collins, of Worcester Road, Sutton, began working at the home.
A hearing is due to take place at the court next week to decide if the 69-year-old will face a retrial.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here