Brothers in the clear on sex charges

Paul and Conrad Fraser had denied attacking the schoolgirls between 1975 and 1986.

A jury at the High Court in Livingston yesterday returned majority not proven verdicts on five indecent assault charges faced by civil servant Paul ­Fraser, 49.

They found his brother, Conrad, 50, not guilty by a majority of two allegations of indecent assault. He broke down in tears as the verdicts were read out.

After the acquittals were recorded, Judge Lord Burns told both men they were free to leave the court.

Before the jury retired, Jim Keegan, defending Paul ­Fraser, said his client had “lost the will to live” after the allegations were made.

As he left court with his family, who supported him throughout the three-day trial, Conrad said: “It’s a relief.”

Paul Fraser had been remanded in custody after ­failing to appear for the first day of his trial. The brothers hugged each other and their relatives as they were reunited outside court.