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Speedway champion Michael Lee cleared of rape and sex assaults Speedway champion Michael Lee cleared of rape and sex assaults
(about 1 hour later)
A former speedway world champion has been cleared of raping and sexually assaulting women. A former speedway world champion has said he feels "exhausted, emotional and relieved" after being cleared of rape and sexual assault.
Michael Lee, 55, of Worlington, Suffolk, denied raping and assaulting one woman in 2012.Michael Lee, 55, of Worlington, Suffolk, denied raping and assaulting one woman in 2012.
Mr Lee, a world champion in 1980, also pleaded not guilty to two sexual assaults on another woman in 2011. Mr Lee, world champion in 1980, also pleaded not guilty to two sexual assaults on another woman in 2011.
The jury at Ipswich Crown Court cleared him of one of charge on Thursday and the remaining counts on Friday after 13 hours of deliberations. After being being found not guilty at Ipswich Crown Court, he said: "I can't remember the last time I slept."
'Sheer hell' 'Justice done'
Mr Lee was the 1980 individual world champion and rode for teams including King's Lynn, Poole and Boston. Mr Lee rode for teams including King's Lynn, Poole and Boston.
Speaking outside the court, he said: "It's been 15 months of sheer hell and it's had a big impact on my life - I can't remember the last time I slept. Speaking outside the court, he said: "It's been 15 months of sheer hell and it's had a big impact on my life.
"I feel exhausted, emotional and relieved - I feel pleased justice has been done and I can get back on with my life again."I feel exhausted, emotional and relieved - I feel pleased justice has been done and I can get back on with my life again.
"A lot of people have supported me and I can't thank them enough."A lot of people have supported me and I can't thank them enough.
"Everyone who knows me, knows I'm not the person I've been portrayed to be." "Everyone who knows me knows I'm not the person I've been portrayed to be."
A jury found him not guilty of one sexual assault on Thursday and then the remaining counts on Friday.
Mr Lee had been a co-promoter of the Mildenhall Fen Tigers until last season and remains a shareholder in the club.Mr Lee had been a co-promoter of the Mildenhall Fen Tigers until last season and remains a shareholder in the club.
He said he would be at the club's National League Knockout Cup meeting at home to Cradley on Sunday.He said he would be at the club's National League Knockout Cup meeting at home to Cradley on Sunday.