Former Chesterfield manager James Rowe denies sexually assaulting woman during first court appearance

Ex-Chesterfield FC manager James Rowe made his first appearance in court today after being charged with sexual assault.
By Tom Hardwick
Published 7th Nov 2022, 12:31 GMT
Updated 8th Nov 2022, 13:47 GMT
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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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Fiona 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."

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James Rowe, the former Chesterfield FC manager, arriving at Chesterfield Magistrates Court.James Rowe, the former Chesterfield FC manager, arriving at Chesterfield Magistrates Court.
James Rowe, the former Chesterfield FC manager, arriving at Chesterfield Magistrates Court.

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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.