Three Welsh sports stars have spoken of their “days of hell” after spending five days at the centre of a sexual assault claim.
The three members of Cardiff Devils ice hockey squad spoke out after being cleared of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old female after a night out in Cardiff last Sunday.
Jason Silverthorn, Alex Symonds and Matt Towe were alleged to have committed the assault after taking the girl back to an apartment in Cardiff Bay.
Matt Towe was cleared of the assault after being interviewed by South Wales Police and spending four hours behind bars.
The remainder of the trio were not cleared until Monday, after investigations cast doubt over the claims.
The players spoke of their fears of losing their careers and reputations following the allegations
Mr Silverthorn said, “It has been five days of hell. We did nothing wrong and we didn’t deserve any of this.”
Defender Alex Symonds, who is still in his first year as a professional player, said, “I’ve been working all my life to have the opportunity I have right now, and something like this could have ruined my life.”
All three of the players said they wanted to thank their families for supporting them through their ordeal.
In a statement issued by South Wales Police, Detective Inspector Paul Andrews said, “South Wales Police takes any allegation of sexual assault very seriously. We can confirm that we are no longer pursuing an allegation of sexual assault.”
Source: Western Mail