Birmingham City owner David Sullivan reveals assault claim ordeal

Sep 29 2008 By Emma Rowley, PA

BIRMINGHAM City owner David Sullivan spoke today of his ordeal after he was cleared over a sex assault allegation.

Mr Sullivan was arrested in July on suspicion of sexual touching after a complaint by a 25-year-old woman in Theydon Bois, Essex.

Police confirmed on Saturday that they would take no further action against the 59-year-old multi-millionaire in relation to the allegation.

In a statement released by the club today, Mr Sullivan said: "I'm obviously pleased at the outcome and thank the police for their diligence in their investigation of the complaint.

"It has been found that I am totally innocent of this allegation, as I always knew I would be.

"Although I was entirely innocent of any wrongdoing, it was a very unpleasant experience as I had to try to carry on with my business and family life with the allegation hanging over me.

"This year has been an incredibly difficult one for me but I have no choice but to get on with my life."

He added: "Only anyone who has been through a similar situation will fully understand how I feel and my frustration that, sadly, the reporting of a full Crown Prosecution Service investigation and decision there was no wrongdoing at all, will receive far less coverage than the original stories concerning the alleged incident.

"I will be making no further comment on this matter and regard it as closed."