The man who was set to be the new chancellor of Teesside University and original Dragon’s Den member Doug Richard has been arrested on suspicion of raping an underage girl, it has been reported.
The 56-year-old Government advisor was reportedly quizzed by police and released on bail.
He strongly denied the allegations in a statement issued through his lawyers.
Teesside University said today Mr Richard had now “stepped aside as Chancellor-designate for personal reasons”.
The university added he had not been appointed chancellor and “was not in an active role at the university”.
The married dad, who starred on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in the first two series, was arrested on January 5, it was reported today.
A City of London Police spokesman told national media last night: “City of London Police detectives arrested a 56-year-old man on January 5, 2015, on suspicion of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming and rape of a girl under the age of consent.
“He was bailed on January 6 until March 2015.”
Mr Richard, honoured by the Queen for his work helping entrepreneurs, issued a statement over his arrest concerning the suspected rape of a child.
He was reported as saying: “I absolutely deny the allegations made about me.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further given that the police are at a very early stage of their investigation.”
Mr Richard is also the founder of School for Start Ups, an organisation which has provided accelerated business instruction to over 30,000 business owners.
In November last year it was announced that Mr Richard was to be the new Chancellor of Teesside University, taking over from Lord Sawyer of Darlington.
But a statement released by the University today said: “The University can confirm that it has been notified that Mr Doug Mr Richard has stepped aside as Chancellor-designate for personal reasons.
“Mr Richard had not been appointed with a installation originally scheduled for March, so was not in an active role at the university.
“Our current Chancellor, Lord Sawyer of Darlington, has agreed to remain in post as chancellor for the foreseeable future until a successor is appointed.
“The role of Chancellor is a ceremonial position only with no executive or operational responsibilities.”
Speaking in November about his then proposed new role as Chancellor, the entrepreneur said: “Teesside is a business facing university with a real focus on innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship.
“The progress it has made in recent years and the continual investment in new facilities and buildings make it an exciting proposition for students and business partners.
“I am both excited and honoured to become the next Chancellor of this institution and hope to use my experience and expertise to build on the fantastic work that has gone before me and guide the University through its next exciting chapter.”
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