A MARGATE boy was today cleared by a jury of raping a 13-year-old girl in the town’s Dane Park.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had denied rape but admitted having unlawful sex with the girl. He will be sentenced on December 19.

Speaking at the end of the four-day trial, Canterbury Crown Court Judge Langdon said: “On my finding, he well knew how old the girl was. He was at the same school and he must have had a very clear idea of her approximate age. I do not accept that he thought she was 14 and a half.”

The boy was released on bail while reports are prepared before sentencing.

The judge said that the offence of unlawful sex with a girl under 16 was minor compared with rape, but warned that all options remained open.