A LEADING Premier League figure accused of sex attacks should have been arrested, a police chief has claimed.
The man came into a police station for an interview when allegations were made, documents have revealed.
But he was not arrested and a search warrant was not issued on his home.
An internal police review has been conducted into the handling of one of the allegations, the rape of a minor.
In documents – seen by The Athletic – the detective superintendent of the force felt failing to arrest him was a “missed opportunity”.
His report reads: “He (the suspect) was invited in for an interview, but I believe they should have arrested him and searched his property for items to support the investigation, especially as the victim believes she was recorded.
“This did not happen and is a missed opportunity.”
The man has denied all allegations and charges were not pursued. He cannot be named for legal reasons.
He had been investigated by two police forces across a number of years relating to historical complaints from woman.
Police issued no further action on all cases.
The FA began its own investigation in November last year to determine “the risk this individual may, or does, pose to children and/or adults at risk within affiliated football”.
The footballing body could, if it sees fit, issue an interim suspension order while a full risk assessment report is carried out.
The man continues to work as normal.
The police force that dealt with all the allegations said it treated the matter “very seriously”, adding it’s officers “carried out a thorough and extensive investigation”.
Read the full article here
