Football manager cleared of sex assault

A football manager has been cleared of sexual assault following a trial.

James Rowe, who was managing Chesterfield FC when the allegation was made in 2021, was found not guilty by majority verdict at Derby Crown Court on Thursday.

A group of six women and six men took four hours and 17 minutes to come to their verdict.

There were cheers from Mr Rowe's supporters as the foreman returned the decision.

Trial judge Jonathan Bennett said: "Mr Rowe, you have been found not guilty, you are free to go."

Mr Rowe, 41, of Breaston in Derbyshire, hugged his wife before exiting the courtroom.

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