MP Nigel Evans hopes to 'rebuild' career after acquittal

Former deputy speaker Nigel Evans has dismissed claims of "inappropriate" and "drunken" behaviour as "totally untrue".

During Mr Evans's five-week trial at Preston Crown Court, during which he was cleared of a series of charges of sexual assault, one complainant described the 56-year-old as a "high-functioning alcoholic", while another man claimed the MP behaved like a "drunken letch" towards him in a bar.

Mr Evans said he was in despair during the trial, and confirmed he considered suicide in his "loneliest of moments", and said he was now hoping to "rebuild" his political career.

The politician, who has said he is £130,000 out of pocket following the case, said he would campaign for those who are wrongly accused of crimes to have their legal fees paid.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday 14 April.