A woman who denied child cruelty allegations has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Noriko Moffat, 54, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court on Monday, having previously pleaded not guilty to two charges. She had been due to stand trial before a jury.

But during a brief hearing before Judge Tony Lancaster, prosecutor Andrew Petterson said there had been a review of case concerning Ms Moffat - a woman of good character.

The conclusion of that, Mr Petterson stated, was a decision taken by the Crown Prosecution Service to offer no evidence against her.

Judge Lancaster responded: "At my direction not guilty verdicts will be entered on each [charge]."

He said to Ms Moffat, who lives near Dalston: "You are therefore free to go."