A builder accused of setting fire to a pub's smoking shelter has been cleared by a jury at Worcester Crown Court.

Police removed Michael Dukes from the car park of the Rose and Lion in Bromyard after he verbally abusing the landlord who had banned him 18 months earlier.

Licensee Anthony Gardner gave evidence that he saw Mr Dukes - who had drunk two bottles of wine - fall over near the shelter an hour and half later.

Just seconds afterwards, the thatched structure erupted in flames.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze which did not spread.

The defendant claimed it was a case of mistaken identity. Mr Gardner admitted under cross-examination that he had barred six people during his four years running the New Road pub.

Mr Dukes, aged 42, of Highwell Lane, Bromyard, was cleared of arson after the jury had retired for only 30 minutes.

The defendant said he could not recall going to the premises after drinking in another town pub with workmates.

He could only remember being escorted part way to his home by a local councillor.

His mother Barbara Dukes told the court she let him in before 1am because he had forgotten his keys - and he never went out again.

Mr Garner said the fire broke out just after 1am, claiming a hoodie covering Mr Dukes' face came off as he fell over.

He said the arsonist ran off but defence barrister Julian Harris said drink had made his client incapable of running.

Police found a petrol can in the Mr Dukes' garage but there had been no traces of petrol on clothes seized from the defendant.

Mr Harris said he had been wrongly identified because the licensee's mind was "clouded" by the earlier events that night.