A MAN has walked free from court after a jury acquitted him of partially paralysing his former wife's new partner as a result of a struggle at her York home.

A jury at York Crown Court heard that Leslie John Price, 41, and Andrew Parsons were involved in a struggle in the doorway of Jeanette Price's home on Easter Monday 2001.

Six days later, Mr Parsons collapsed and was admitted to hospital after a stroke. He now suffers from a weakened side and gave evidence from a wheelchair.

York Crown Court was told he lives in Rowan Avenue, York, with Mrs Price.

The jurors heard medical evidence that there was a high probability that his injuries were caused by something constricting the blood flow to his brain during the struggle, and heard allegations that Mr Price had held Mr Parsons round the neck.

Mr Price, of Plantation Row, High Green, Hednesford, Staffordshire, denied causing grievous bodily harm.

He told the jury he had only been trying to defend himself in the struggle.

The jury of three men and nine women acquitted him after retiring for a little under four hours.

Mr Price made no comment as he left court.

The jury was told he arrived unannounced in Rowan Avenue in the evening of Easter Monday, after going to the house the previous day when the couple were out.

Mr Parsons was in court to hear the verdict.

Special arrangements were made for him to give evidence and to attend the entire trial, including moving the jury from their jury box to benches on the other side of court while they heard his evidence.

York Crown Court has no facilities for the disabled and the front door is at the top of two flights of stairs.

Updated: 11:34 Thursday, April 25, 2002