Former Chesterfield manager acquitted of sexual assault

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

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

It took a group of six women and six men four hours and 17 minutes to reach their verdict.

Mr Rowe’s supporters cheered as the foreman responded to their decision.

Trial judge Jonathan Bennett said: “Mr Rowe, you have been found not guilty, you can go.”

Mr Rowe, 41, from Breaston in Derbyshire, hugged his wife before leaving the courtroom.