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Ex Dragon Doug Richard quits Teesside role after rape claim Ex-Dragon Doug Richard quits Teesside role after rape claim
(about 5 hours later)
An original member of TV's Dragons' Den has pulled out of becoming the new chancellor of Teesside University after being arrested on suspicion of rape.An original member of TV's Dragons' Den has pulled out of becoming the new chancellor of Teesside University after being arrested on suspicion of rape.
Doug Richard was due to take up the role in March after university bosses announced his appointment in November.Doug Richard was due to take up the role in March after university bosses announced his appointment in November.
The US-born 56-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual grooming and rape of an underage girl. He has been bailed until March.The US-born 56-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual grooming and rape of an underage girl. He has been bailed until March.
The university confirmed Mr Richard had withdrawn from taking up the post.The university confirmed Mr Richard had withdrawn from taking up the post.
A police statement said: "City of London Police detectives arrested a 56-year-old man on 5 January 2015 on suspicion of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming and rape of a girl under the age of consent.A police statement said: "City of London Police detectives arrested a 56-year-old man on 5 January 2015 on suspicion of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming and rape of a girl under the age of consent.
"He was bailed until March 2015.""He was bailed until March 2015."
'Ceremonial position''Ceremonial position'
A spokesman for Teesside University said: "The university can confirm that it has been notified that Mr Richard has stepped aside as Chancellor-designate for personal reasons.A spokesman for Teesside University said: "The university can confirm that it has been notified that Mr Richard has stepped aside as Chancellor-designate for personal reasons.
"Mr Richard had not been appointed, so was not in an active role at the university."Mr Richard had not been appointed, so was not in an active role at the university.
"Our current Chancellor, Lord Sawyer of Darlington, has agreed to remain in post for the foreseeable future until a successor is appointed."Our current Chancellor, Lord Sawyer of Darlington, has agreed to remain in post for the foreseeable future until a successor is appointed.
"The role of Chancellor is a ceremonial position only with no executive or operational responsibilities.""The role of Chancellor is a ceremonial position only with no executive or operational responsibilities."
Mr Richard, who lives in London, took part in the first two series of the BBC show and has also been a business adviser to the government.Mr Richard, who lives in London, took part in the first two series of the BBC show and has also been a business adviser to the government.