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	Sex Case Man Acquitted By Rehana Zeria Evening Courier February 22, 2008 http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/Sex-case-man-acquitted.3800647.jp A MAN has been acquitted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Ian Sykes, 63, of Savile Row, Savile Park, Halifax, had denied touching the girl's breasts at his home on June 3 last year. He was found not guilty and discharged at Bradford Crown Court. Mr Sykes had been a Scout leader at Holy Trinity Church, Swires Road, Halifax, for more than 30 years where he was also a former church warden. He has been involved in junior football in the district as a referee and junior cricket as an umpire. A spokeswoman for the Wakefield Diocese said it has clear and robust child protection policies and when allegations of inappropriate behaviour are made, the person involved is suspended from duty. "In this case, the defendant, Ian Sykes, was acquitted of the charge and will be invited to return as church warden and server as quickly as possible," she said. "The period following this allegation has been extremely challenging for Ian, his family and friends, the church and the wider community as well as the young person involved. "The church has sought to support everyone involved in the case and we now hope and pray we can all move forward and put this sad and difficult time behind us."
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