A school lab technician has been acquitted of rape charges.

David Day, 22, of Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury, was cleared by a unanimous jury at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, February 28.

It was alleged the Nottingham University graduate had raped a woman he met on a night out when they went back to his friend’s house in Kew, but he said the pair had consensual sex.

The judge Paul Dodgson read various character references in favour of Mr Day, including one from his former girlfriend, which said he would never force himself upon anyone.

It said: “He was a gentleman and a kind and loving person to be with.”

A statement from her mother read: “He was a kind and respectful young man with a good understanding of right and wrong.

“He always treated my daughter with the greatest respect.”