Blues Boss Denies Sex Allegations

The co-owner of Birmingham City Football Club has "categorically denied" an alleged sexual assault on a woman in Essex.

Birmingham City Football Club said in a statement that David Sullivan, 59, of Essex, voluntarily attended a police station on Tuesday following the allegation.

It is understood that Mr Sullivan provided police with a "full explanation" of the circumstances.

"He categorically denies the allegation which centres around consensual sexual touching. The allegation is totally without foundation," it said.

Mr Sullivan is quoted as saying: "I refute all the allegations. The allegation is that I touched somebody. The question is 'did you touch with consent or without consent'? My argument is that it was with consent.

"Anybody can make an allegation against anybody in this country and the police have to investigate.

"I'm a rich person so I'm a target for this sort of thing. That is the world we live in."

Essex Police say that a woman from East London contacted them saying she was attacked in Theydon Bois.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Police were contacted by a 25-year-old woman from East London at 0100 BST on Tuesday who said she was assaulted at a house in a village."

"Detectives arrested a 59-year-old man from the Epping Forest area in relation to sexual touching and released him on police bail."

It is reported that the business man has been bailed for eight weeks for police to carry out more investigations.

It is reported that Mr Sullivan is Wales' fourth richest man. The millionaire is currently Chief Executive at Birmingham City but has faced calls for his resignation following the Blue's relegation from the Premiership to the Championship at the end of the last season.

It is reported that Mr Sullivan is "well known" for having owned nearly 100 premises under the banner Private Shops.

Three months ago, Mr Sullivan was arrested and questioned along with Karren Brady by City of London Police in connection with football corruption.

At the time he said he had "nothing to hide".

See: Shares Suspended After Football Tax Probe

(DS)