Briton's sex abuse case collapses

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A Philippines judge has dismissed child sex abuse charges against a British man because a key witness has disappeared.

Barry Edwards, 61, a former lecturer from Essex, was arrested in 2003 for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

He has claimed the accusations were part of a blackmail plot.

Children's campaign group ECPAT, which alleges there is video evidence of Mr Edwards having sex with young girls, has called for his deportation.

The group wants the evidence to be examined by the British police.

The law in the Philippines makes it a criminal act to engage in sexual activity with a child under 18 years of age.