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Poole speedway rider Darcy Ward on sex assault charge | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A speedway rider has appeared in court charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a hotel in Dorset. | |
Poole Pirates' Darcy Ward, 19, is accused of assaulting the Coventry teenager at a Premier Inn in Poole between 16 and 19 August. | |
A 17-year-old boy, from Swindon in Wiltshire, also appeared charged with three counts of sexual assault and rape in connection with the incident. | |
The pair were bailed to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court next week. | |
Club 'transparent' | |
Mr Ward's solicitor told the court that his client categorically denied the charge and would fight the claims "until the bitter end". | |
The 19-year-old rider, from Sturminster Marshall, Wimborne, Dorset, won the Speedway Elite League Championship with Poole this year. | |
In a statement, Poole Pirates said: "[We] are aware of the situation regarding one of (our) assets and have taken steps to ensure that the rider is represented legally with the best possible advice. | In a statement, Poole Pirates said: "[We] are aware of the situation regarding one of (our) assets and have taken steps to ensure that the rider is represented legally with the best possible advice. |
"The club will always remain transparent and will help with any inquiries from the police should they arise. | "The club will always remain transparent and will help with any inquiries from the police should they arise. |
"However, we would ask the public not to jump to conclusions and allow the legal system to take its course." | "However, we would ask the public not to jump to conclusions and allow the legal system to take its course." |
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