DJ Neil Fox criticises CPS after being found not guilty on all sexual abuse charges

'Following my arrest over 14 months ago, I strenuously denied all of the allegations and today I have been vindicated'

DJ Neil Fox leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court with his wife, Vicky (PA)

The former radio DJ Neil Fox has been cleared of all charges following a trial over allegations of sexually and indecently abusing young fans and colleagues.

The ex-Pop Idol judge and Capital FM host faced a string of charges in relation to alleged offences dating back to the 1980s, against women and girls as young as 14.

Choking back tears outside the court, the DJ shared an emotional kiss and hug with his wife, Vicky, as he spoke of his relief at his acquittal.

He said: "Firstly may I say that myself, my family and my legal team are obviously pleased and relieved at the decision the court has made.

"Following my arrest over 14 months ago, I strenuously denied all of the allegations and today I have been vindicated.

"It has been a long, hard and stressful 14 months though, and a lot has been said and written about me in that time that over the next few days, weeks and months will need to be addressed and rectified.

Former British DJ Neil Fox (R) arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London on December 14, 2015 (AFP/Getty Images)

"Now this case has also, once again, exposed concerns about how high-profile cases such as this are investigated by the police and the CPS, but this is not the time or the place to address these matters.

"I cannot wait to be broadcasting again and to resume that relationship that we have built over the last 30 years.

During the trial, Mr Fox flatly rejected allegations he had various sexual contacts with fans and colleagues.

The DJ rebuffed allegations from a woman who claimed the pair had a relationship which included inappropriate touching during a private tour of Capital Radio's record library, sexual encounters at his flat and kissing her in the radio station's car park.

He told the court the girl was "a little bit obsessed" with him.

He added outside the court: "Finally, to my family and especially my incredible wife Vicky, I cannot begin to tell you how much I love you and how much I thank you for simply being there and holding my hand through this long and arduous journey.

"It has been tough at times, you have shown me how to look for the good and the bad, the happy and the sad, the gain and the pain, and find out what makes us grateful, not hateful.

"Thank you very much, happy Christmas."

Mr Fox was mobbed by photographers as he shared a kiss with his wife in emotional scenes following the statement.

The 54-year-old elected to be tried to magistrates at Westminster Magistrates' Court rather than a jury.

The trial heard from alleged victims, who were fans and former colleagues, and after closing submissions on 4 December the chief trial magistrate Howard Riddle said the bench had "a lot to consider".

Fox appeared at court on Monday with his wife. He had denied eight counts of indecent assault and two of sexual assault dating from 1988 to 2014.

PA