A close friend of Ely fitness instructor John Wales – cleared of a single charge of sexual assault – has spoken of the relief at the jury’s unanimous not guilty verdict.
“This was an unfounded allegation and quite dreadful,” she said.
“Allegations like this can ruin a person’s career”.
She was speaking after the jury at Ipswich Crown Court acquitted Mr Wales, 52, of Church Lane, Ely, on a single count of alleged sexual assault.
The prosecution followed claims by a client at RAF Lakenheath that of sexual assault during an assessment.
Mr Wales pleaded not guilty to a single charge of sexual assault.
During the trial the court heard that Mr Wales initially measured the alleged victim’s biceps, waist and chest in a room at RAF Lakenheath but then allegedly asked him to remove his underwear so that he could measure his thighs.
Mr Wales had then allegedly sexually touched the alleged victim “without invitation”, said Stephen Rose, prosecuting.
He claimed that Mr Wales had also tried to kiss the alleged victim who was “shocked and very surprised” at what happened.
Mr Rose said that during the alleged incident the complainant put his hands on Mr Wales’ shoulders to indicate he wasn’t happy with what was taking place.
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