A HAIRDRESSER accused of sexually assaulting a teenage customer at the salon where he worked has been found not guilty.

Giving evidence on the second day of his trial at Ipswich Crown Court Christopher Dunnett denied a suggestion from prosecution counsel Stephen Spence that after exchanging flirtatious texts with the 17-year-old girl he thought she might be “up for it”.

Dunnett, who was manager at the Identity Hair Salon in Bell Lane, Kesgrave, denied trying to hug and kiss the girl and then pulling down her vest top exposing her bra.

A jury returned a verdict of not guilty yesterday.

Dunnett, of Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, denied sexually assaulting the girl last summer.

Defence witness Peter Lister told the court he had know Dunnett for 12 years and had never seen anything that would reflect adversely on his character.

Ella Lloyd said she had known Dunnett for 10 years and said he was “ brilliant” with his family. She said Dunnett had cut her hair over a period of 10 years and had never acted inappropriately towards her.