A MAN who went into an Oxford home 'to use the toilet' has been cleared of burglary.

A jury at Oxford Crown Court heard during the two-day trial that Samuel Harvey called out 'busy' when challenged by the returning homeowners.

The 31-year-old of Cricket Road, Oxford, had always denied the single count of burglary.

Prosecutors said that the alleged break-in took pace at an address on Cowley Road, Littlemore, on the evening of December 26 2018.

One of two returning occupants noticed a light had been left on in an upstairs bathroom.

READ AGAIN: Our report from the opening of the case this week.

It was claimed that on trying the door one of the homeowners realised it was locked and there was someone inside.

Mr Harvey - who did not dispute his presence at the scene - allegedly told him ‘busy’ and claimed he was not a thief, he was an artist, and just wanted to use the toilet.

The jury heard that when talking to police about the incident Mr Harvey claimed he felt scared when he heard the occupants return and so he locked himself in the bathroom.

He denied having any intention of stealing from the home.

After deliberating for one hour and one minute jurors unanimously found Mr Harvey not guilty of burglary today and he was discharged from the dock.