The ex-chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral Paul Overend has been told by the Church of England there is no case to answer after a workplace tribunal into sexual assault allegations.

Rev Canon Paul Overend was accused in an indecent assault trial last year of holding and kissing a teenage student during a house party in 1997, while he was a chaplain at Cardiff University.

The alleged victim, who made the allegation in 2019, previously told the court Overend, 54, of Vicars Court, Lincoln, had taken hold of her and kissed her on the chest and arms.

Overend, who stepped aside from his role as canon chancellor at Lincoln Cathedral, denied the charge and even denied knowing who the victim was.

He was cleared of the charge at Newport Crown Court on Thursday, December 3 and said that, despite the positive result for himself, the trial hurt everyone involved.

The diocese of Lincoln has now stated that no further steps will be taken in relation to the allegations.

A spokesperson for the diocese of Lincoln said: “After due process, a ruling has been made in the case brought under the Clergy Discipline Measure against the Revd Canon Dr Paul Overend, Chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral.

“It was determined by the Deputy President of Tribunals that there is no case to answer and no further steps should be taken.

“This has been a long and difficult process and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by it.”

Speaking previously after the verdict outside the court, Overend said: “No happy outcomes were possible today, only damaged and broken people.

“I need now to sort through the devastation and see to find again some of the joy and purpose in life.”

The reverend was appointed the Canon chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral in 2017, but took sudden leave in April 2019 as a result of this allegation.

Dr Overend told the court that Canon chancellor was his “dream job” and he and his wife were forced to live elsewhere from cathedral accommodation after he was accused.

Lincoln could have a star jockey in the making, as 18-year-old William Pyle got the first race win of his career on Tuesday.

William was riding the 6/1 backed Bankawi in the 20.40 at Beverley on Tuesday evening, and held off a battle with Elusive Heights and Kodimoor to bring home his first ever win.

The victory came in William’s 30th race, after having secured three second place finishes and one third previously.

William Pyle, 18, is hoping to make a name for himself in the world of horse racing. | Photo: Mick Easterby Racing

He joined up with Michael & David Easterby Racing in the summer of 2020 as an apprentice jockey, making his debut at Hamilton in September.

His post-race interview has been watched over 30,000 times on Racing TV’s Twitter account, and his bubbly personality along with his clear excitement shone through.

Speaking about his win, William told Racing TV: “Long overdue really, it feels good to get one on the board. A winner’s a winner isn’t it, that’s what it’s all about.”

He added: “I’m from Lincoln, I just knocked about on ponies as kid and took it a more seriously as I wasn’t really getting on at sixth form.

“I thought I’ve always liked horses so why not give it a go at the racing college and I’ve been flying since.”

Keep going William, and congratulations on the first win!

Two more men have been arrested by police in Lincoln on suspicion of murder, following the death of 23-year-old Sam Davies.

The body of Sam Davies, was found at Coleridge Gardens at around 10.48pm on Thursday, May 27. He had suffered serious knife wounds.

He died shortly afterwards and police launched a murder investigation.

The two men most recently arrested, aged 17 and 20, have not yet been charged by police.

A total of five men have been charged in connection with Sam’s murder.

A message with a bunch of flowers left at the scene reads “Too young to be gone. RIP”. | Photo: The Lincolnite

The five men charged with murder so far are Joe Jameson, 23, of Whitehall Terrace, Daniel Heydari, 24, of Chestnut Street, Eric Kesel, 18, of Browning Drive, Eimantis Gochman, 19, of Sturton Close and Charlie Wakefield, 20, of Broxholme Gardens.

They appeared at Lincoln Magistrates Court for a hearing on Tuesday, June 1 and will be held in custody to appear at crown court at a later date.

Flowers left in tribute of Lincoln murder victim Sam Davies. | Photo: The Lincolnite

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Myszczyszyn, of East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “This is an ongoing investigation and I’d like to thank the local community for their support.

“Our enquiries continue and we will continue to work diligently following Sam’s tragic death.”