A FORMER solicitor from Winsford has his sights firmly set on the future following a court case that he says tarnished his life for the past two years.

Will Hurley, former employee of Northwich and Winsford law firm mosshaselhurst, was found not guilty of perverting the course of justice, at Preston Crown Court, on May 10.

The 29-year-old was charged following evidence given at the murder trial of Winnington taxi driver, Jock Straiton, in 2009.

Mr Hurley was arrested on September 1, 2009, and released on bail, alongside fellow solicitor and girlfriend Emma Spruce and her mother Sharron, then office manager at mosshaselhurst.

Emma and Sharron were not charged.

And after an ‘extremely tough’ period which culminated in last week’s acquittal, the Winsford resident said he feels he has ‘got his life back’.

“It has been extremely difficult,” said Mr Hurley.

“Everything has been on hold.

“It felt to me like a witch hunt, that’s what it felt like.

“I tried to get things resolved as quickly as possible with the case and I contacted the police.

“It took them five months to turn up at my door - I don’t think I have ever dealt with a case that took so long.”

He added: “It was hard at the time to deal with how public the whole thing became.

“The Guardian knew about it before I did - a reporter was in court on the day.”

Mr Hurley was released from his job at mosshaselhurst last December, and he said he felt ‘betrayed’ by the company’s decision.

“I had hoped to get their support,” he added. “I felt singled out through the whole process really.”

Mr Hurley is now set to resume his role as solicitor with new firm, Gladstones Solicitors, in addition to pursuing his new passion for farming.

“It’s nice to have a fresh start,” he said.

“I am very grateful to the people who have supported me throughout and helped me keep my head screwed on.

“I am really grateful to Ruth Oakes my solicitor.

“I hope people remember me as the one who didn’t do it - I don’t want to be remembered as the one that got away with it because I didn’t do it.

“I would like to think the way I conducted myself throughout it showed that.

“I am happy it all worked out. I always knew I hadn’t done anything wrong.”

He added: “My experience helps me understand how clients feel - I have been through it and I know how important it is to have someone represent you.”

Gerry Rooney, senior partner at mosshaselhurst, said: “We are delighted that justice has been done for the sake of all those involved in this case.

“The circumstances surrounding Mr Hurley’s leaving this firm are private and confidential.

“We wish Mr Hurley all the best for his future career.”

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "Cheshire Constabulary undertook a thorough and proportionate investigation into Mr Hurley as a result of evidence heard during the trial of R V Spruce, Goolding and Blower in March 2009.

“The investigation was also commenced following comments made by the trial Judge during his closing speech.

“A full file of evidence was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service who directed that a Prosecution case should be pursued against Mr Hurley in relation to perverting the course of justice.

“A Jury at Preston Crown Court has found Mr Hurley not guilty of the offence for which he was charged, and we acknowledge this decision."