A retired fire chief falsely accused of sexually abusing a boy 40 years ago has had his conviction overturned after it emerged his accuser was a fantasist and serial liar.

David Bryant, 66, who had received commendations for bravery, spent almost three years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, solely on the evidence of a man with a history of mental illness.

Mr Bryant, who was station commander in Christchurch in Dorset, said the case against him should never have been brought and accused the police and Crown Prosecution Service of gross failings that led to him being jailed.

Mr Bryant also called for an urgent review of how historic sex abuse cases are investigated having suffered a “living hell”.