York Minster's ringing master David Potter MBE will not face a trial for indecent assault.

David Potter: no charges

Police have decided not to charge the nationally-known bell-ringer of 30 years after months of investigation.

Later this year, he will meet the Queen to receive the honour he was granted while detectives were looking into his private life.

Mr Potter was unavailable for comment today, but he is understood to be very relieved.

The nature of the allegations led to him being suspended from his position at the Minster at the start of the police investigation last summer, and he was also suspended as a teacher at Upper Poppleton Junior School.

While detectives were following up allegations made by a girl not connected with the school, he learnt that the Queen was considering making him a Member of the British Empire.

He also celebrated 25 years in charge of the Minster ringers.

A few days before he was included in the New Year's Honours List, he was interviewed by police under caution and released on bail.

He has now been told no charges will be brought.

A spokesman for York Minster said he did not wish to comment until it had been officially informed.

Mr Potter has continued to be involved in bell-ringing despite the investigation.

A police spokesman said only that a man had been not been charged.

Cathy Wordie, chairwoman of governors at Upper Poppleton school, said: "The staff and governors are delighted for Mr Potter that no charges are to be brought."

The Reverend Giles Galley, ex-chairman of the York Guild of Bell Ringers, said: "I am just delighted with the news."

The City of York Council said today: "We will be meeting with the Family Protection Unit of North Yorkshire police for a full briefing tomorrow."

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