FOUR students have been found not guilty of the rape of a woman at an annual college ball.

Prosecutors at Gloucester Crown Court offered no evidence against Thady Duff, 22, James Martin, 20, Leo Mahon, 22, and Patrick Foster, 22.

The four had denied all the charges they faced which were alleged to have been committed against the same woman.

They were accused of raping the alleged victim at the end-of-year ball at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, in May 2014.

The case had been due to begin two weeks ago but was delayed by issues surrounding the late disclosure of evidence to the defence by the prosecution.

Prosecutor Fiona Elder told the court that the case had been reviewed last week and a decision not to offer any evidence against the four defendants had been made.

"The decision was made that there was no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction and therefore in the circumstances it was not for the Crown to pursue this case to trial," she said.

"The police were informed and discussed the decision with the head of the South West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit.

"The head of the South West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit consulted with the complainant and her family to ensure they knew and understood the decision whatever their view of it.

"The defence were informed on Friday evening of the decision not to continue the case and the Crown was offering no evidence in relation to this indictment."

A jury of six men and six women had been sworn in on March 29 to hear the case but were discharged a week later not having heard any evidence.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC had told the panel that some of the alleged sexual activity had been filmed and they would watch it.

"This case concerns sexual activity on a ball night at the Royal Agricultural University. Some of that was filmed," he said.

"This is going to be what we call adult pornographic material - very short in length - to be watched.

"If any of you feel uncomfortable with that please put your hand up."

Duff, of Stubbs Hill Farm, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire, denied three charges of rape.

He also denied a charge of sexual assault against the same woman which is alleged to have been carried out between October 1 and 31 2013.

Martin, of Hook Norton Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, denied a single charge of rape.

Mahon, of Lawrence Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, denied three charges of rape and two charges of assault by penetration.

Foster, of Maldon Road, Kelvedon, Colchester, Essex, denied one charge of rape and two charges of assault by penetration.

The internationally renowned university, which until 2013 was known as the Royal Agricultural College, is rated the Oxbridge of agricultural studies.

Founded in 1845, it was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world.

The four defendants made no comment as they left court following the not guilty verdicts.