A former England rugby star, and serving soldier, was unanimously cleared of trying to force himself on a woman.

Lance Bombardier Andrew Dawlings, 36, from Reigate, who also captained the Army team and played for two top premier league clubs, was acquitted on Friday.

A jury at Guildford Crown Court took less than an hour to make their decision after the court was told the allegations were made up.

During his trial, it was alleged he called at the Redhill home of the woman, and let himself in while she was in the bath.

She called out she would be with him when she was decent but the woman was shocked when Mr Dawlings, who played for the England Sevens in the World Championsips in New Zealand walked in on her, said prosecutor, Toyin Salako.

Ms Salako told the court the woman asked him to leave.

It was alleged that moments later he went back in and lifted her from the bath, before following her into the living room.

The jury was told he pinned her down with her hands above her head and started rubbing himself against her while she struggled to get free.

The jury heard Dawlings has been serving in the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery for 18 years and completed tours in Kosovo, Bosnia and Iraq.

He had also played professional rugby for premiership sides Harlequins and Gloucester.

Mr Dawlings, of Somers Road, Reigate, denied sexual assault on December 2 2008.

He admitted he let himself in, after being asked to visit the woman by a member of her family. He said he called out to the woman, who was dressed and in the sitting room.

He said: "It was a very brief, 'Hi how are you?' conversation and that was it. I left the property.

"I was not in there for more than two or three minutes.

"I had been away to Dubai and I had to catch up on work, the club duties, I was very, very busy and my girlfriend was at home making lunch".

During police interview he admitted he had his "theories" on why the woman would accuse him but refused to speculate on her motives.

Following his acquittal Mr Dawlings was awarded £50 costs.