CHARGES against an Essex firefighter accused of historical sex offences were dropped today.

Mark Wilson, 51, of Ashdale, Thorley Park, Bishop's Stortford, was found not guilty by Judge Christopher Ball QC at Chelmsford Crown Court when the prosecution announced they would not continue with the case.

Mr Wilson was accused of lining up the alleged victims and forcing them to drop their trousers and pants and touched then touching them intimately with an object similar to a truncheon.

At a hearing the court was told victims felt they could not complain because they were scared of losing their jobs.

Acting chief fire officer at Essex County Fire and Rescure Service, Adam Eckley, said: “ECFRS has been informed by Essex Police that the Criminal Prosecution Service has officially dropped charges brought against Mark Wilson in respect of historical allegations of misconduct allegedly perpetrated at its training establishment.

“The service is pleased that this matter is now concluded. We are clear that any kind of intimidation, bullying or assault is totally unacceptable within ECFRS.

"Following a review of culture published last year, we are moving forward as an organisation through a period of change and transformation.

"We are determined to have a modern service with the right values throughout the entire organisation and are working hard to achieve that objective.”

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “We have today offered no evidence against Mr Wilson because there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and the judge directed not guilty verdicts on the charges.”