VIDEO: Cleared former mayor would "love" his chains of office back

CLEARED former Rotherham mayor, Barry Dodson, has said that he would “love to” finish his term of office after emerging from court a free man.

Mr Dodson was found not guilty after of a sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, which dated back to 1987, by a jury sitting at Sheffield Crown Court this afternoon.

Emerging from court after being cleared of the charges he said that his life had been “ruined” by the allegations.

But he added: “I would love to finish my term of office as mayor. What a position that is.”

Asked whether he planned to return to his role as a councillor on Rotherham Borough Council, he added: “Watch this space.”

Speaking outside court, Rotherham Solicitor Steve Smith, who led Mr Dodson’s defence said: “Mr Dodson walks out of this court a free man and an innocent man.

“We never doubted his innocence and we have been able to establish that today.”

Mr Dodson resigned as Labour mayor on June 28 last year — less than a fortnight after taking the post — citing personal reasons.

He was arrested less than a fortnight later.

[xdelx]
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