The trial of DJ Barry Bethell has dramatically collapsed after two days of legal arguments.

The 65-year-old had been accused of sexually abusing young girls and making indecent photographs.

But on the sixth day of the hearing at Canterbury Crown Court, Judge Timothy Nash stopped the trial after hearing defence submissions.

He ordered the jury to formally acquit Bethell, of Kimberley Grove, Seasalter, on four charges of sexual assault.

They were also instructed to return not guilty verdicts on eight counts of making indecent photographs on two computers between 2001 and 2008.

Bethell, who has worked on radio stations in Kent, had denied all the offences.

Judge Nash then discharged the jury from returning verdicts on two other allegations of sexual assault and one of taking indecent photographs.

Bethell is now expect to face a new trial on the three offences in April, next year.

He was remanded in custody until Friday when his barrister Annabelle Darnlow is expected to make an application for bail.

The DJ has already pleaded guilty to eight other offences of possessing or taking indecent photographs and has been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

The prosecution had alleged that Bethell had enticed four girls to his home where he plied them with sweets, soft drinks and gifts, offering to help them with their modelling and singing careers.

But after hearing legal submissions, Judge Nash ruled he had no case to answer on four of the sex assault allegations and eight of downloading indecent images from the Internet.