A NETHERTON man has been acquitted of carrying out sex attacks on a schoolboy nearly 30 years ago.

The trial of Peter Dalley ended when the jury returned their not guilty verdict in the case, the prosecution had alleged the defendant targeted the boy between 1987 and 1989.

Mr Dalley, aged 65, maintained in evidence that while there were occasions when he was alone with the boy nothing untoward took place and there was no sexual activity.

He had denied two charges of sexual assault on the boy.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told Mr Dalley, of Marriot Road, was heavily involved in the world of Cycle Speedway.

When questioned he was adamant nothing of a sexual nature had taken place between him and the boy who was under 16 years of age.

Sarah Buckingham, defending, produced a string of testimonials to the court on behalf of her client from people who described his conduct as exemplary adding that he was honest, reliable and trustworthy.

Summing up the case she agreed Mr Dalley had been close to the boy and said there was no evidence at all to support the allegations.

Mr Dalley had been chairman of the Sandwell Cycle Speedway Club which was based at Tividale Community Centre but it has now disbanded.