Bradley Lennon, aged 18, of Aughton Drive, Woodthorpe, was accused of the manslaughter of John Wilson, 46, whom he allegedly punched forcefully in the head during a drunken fight.

Sheffield Crown Court heard the pair were friends but rowed and started fighting at a flat where Mr Wilson was staying on Richmond Hall Road, Waterthorpe, Sheffield, after both men had taken part in a three-in-a-bed sex session with Melissa Pearson, 25, who lived next door.

Lennon denied manslaughter and his defence alleged Mr Wilson suffered fatal head injuries accidentally during the scuffle.

The prosecution's first blow came when Dean Moor, brother of Alan Moor, in whose flat the death occurred, changed his story in the witness box.

When interviewed by police, Mr Moor said he saw Lennon hit Mr Wilson in a "forceful, downward motion" - but in court he denied seeing the defendant throw a punch.

Miss Pearson, 25, but whom the court heard had a reading age of 12 and suffered from anxiety and depression, then admitted lying to police.

She said she went round to the flat after the threesome to ask for her mobile phone, which she had lent out.

When interviewed by police, Miss Pearson claimed she saw the brawl and that Lennon had brandished a knife to Mr Wilson's throat.

But in court, Miss Pearson admitted the allegation about the weapon was "a lie".

She also retracted her previous claim made to police that she saw Lennon "kicking" Mr Wilson.

Recorder of Sheffield Judge Alan Goldsack QC directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict.

• See The Star tomorrow for family's reaction to the case collapsing.

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