A MAN whose fingerprints were found at the scene of a burglary has been cleared of the crime, a crown court heard.

Jason Freeman was arrested after his fingerprints were found on a mug which had contained some cash.

His palm mark was discovered on a sill outside the kitchen window where entry had been gained into the house.

The 25-year-old denied burgling the house of James Stotter, in Norwood Road, Loudwater, stealing cash and some compact discs between May 18 and 21, 1999, at Aylesbury Crown Court on Monday.

The jury found him not guilty after he told the court that he had previously carried out some painting and decorating work for the victim, and had visited the house on various occasions with Mr Stotter present.

Mr Freeman said the prints had been left during social visits to the house, adding: "At no time have I stolen from him."

Mr Stotter said he discovered the burglary after returning from a fishing trip.

He added that Mr Freeman had previously asked him if he had any work available and he had then given him three days work to do for £150, but denied he had ever allowed the defendant into his kitchen or living room.

Before Mr Freeman's acquittal, Judge Roger Connor entered a not guilty verdict against a second defendant, 21-year-old Damien Hackett, of Butler Court, Marlow, through insufficient evidence.