A PERTH man accused of robbing a woman at knifepoint was acquitted of the charge yesterday.

After deliberating for almost two hours, the jury returned a not proven verdict at Perth Sheriff Court in the case of Graeme Bell (26), of Uist Place.

He had denied that on July 28 at the footpath leading from Colonsay Resource Centre, Colonsay Street, to Argyll Road, he assaulted Leanor Blackhall, presented a knife at her and robbed her of a handbag containing a purse, £13, cosmetics and a mobile phone.

A defence of alibi that he had been at home with his mother at the time was lodged on his behalf.

The trial was heard before Sheriff Lindsay Foulis. The jury returned their verdict by a majority.