Former Chesterfield manager James Rowe denies sexually assaulting woman during first court appearance
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James Rowe, 39, of Blind Lane, Breaston appeared in Chesterfield Magistrates Court today (Monday, November 7) charged with the sexual assault of a female. The former Chesterfield and AFC Fylde manager pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Rowe was charged with the offence on September 28 2022 – having been suspended by Chesterfield FC back in January 2022 – before departing the club by ‘mutual consent’ in February 2022.
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Hide AdFiona McClelland, prosecuting, said: "It is the Crown's submission that this case is not suitable for summary trial. The defendant is the ex-manager of Chesterfield Football Club and he has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman."
It was during an encounter on November 24 that the prosecution claimed Rowe had then committed the sexual assault.
Peter Eguae, representing Rowe, said that he was a “man of previous good character” and that there was no behaviour that suggested the need for any specific bail conditions.
District Judge Andrew Davison granted Rowe unconditional bail ahead of a further hearing at Derby Crown Court on December 5, where he will be asked to submit his plea.