Former AFC Fylde Manager James Rowe cleared of sexual assault

The trial's lasted almost a fortnight at Derby Crown Court

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 17th Oct 2024

A jury's found former AFC Fylde FC Manager James Rowe not guilty of sexual assault.

It's following an alleged incident during a massage, while manager of Chesterfield in November of 2021.

In total, the jury deliberated the evidence for just over four hours before clearing Rowe of a single count of sexual assault.

It sparked emotional scenes in the court room, with the 41-year-old's dad cheering uncontrollably, while Rowe's wife cried and thanked the jury.

Rowe himself was visibly emotional - he breathed a huge sigh of relief - before leaving the dock to be reunited with his family.

Back in 2022, Rowe left his position with the Spireites.

This was after he'd been suspended by the club following the allegations of an incident during a massage in November of 2021. He then joined AFC Fylde in March 2022, but left in the September of that year after being charged.

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