AN ARDROSSAN woman has expressed her relief after she was cleared of groping a man during the Whitlees Gala Day last summer.

Patricia ‘Patsy’ Doherty, 66, of Lawson Drive, said: “I’m relieved it’s over and done with.

"After I left the court I felt the pressure was off and just want to get back to normality.” The trial last week at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard how Mrs Doherty had been working in her capacity as caretaker on the morning of the alleged incident but stayed after her work to have some drinks with friends.

Her alleged victim described her approaching him twice and touching his groin as he was putting up a partition.

Fraser Alexander, defending, said an internal investigation ruled there was “no foundation” to the complaint.

One witness said that she knew Mrs Doherty and saw her in the centre when she packed up and moved inside after it started raining.

She said she sat with Mrs Doherty, who was with her son and her three grandchildren.

Asked by Mr Alexander if she saw the accused anywhere near the complainer, she replied: “No, Patricia was sitting at my table in my company and I never saw her near him.” Mr Alexander said: “So at no time did you see the accused grab the complainer by the penis?” “Absolutely not,” she answered.

When Mrs Doherty was asked if she had sexually assaulted the man she replied: “No, I did not.” Fraser Alexander also said that the man had waited six months before going to the police and conflicting accounts meant Mrs Doherty should be given the benefit of the doubt.

Sheriff Halley agreed and acquitted her with a not proven verdict.

Outside court, Mr Alexander said: “Mrs Doherty is very relieved the stress of having this case hanging over her is finally over.

The sheriff clearly had sufficient concerns about the evidence that he chose to acquit her.

Mrs Doherty told the Herald this week that she had no end of support, she said: “I would like to thank the support that was offered from the local community and for all the cards I received.

"I would like to also thank my bosses and colleagues for their support.”