THREE men accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student on a college campus have spoken of their "pure hell" after being cleared of all charges.
A jury returned not guilty verdicts against Thomas Price, 21, of Rotherham, Stephen Johnson, 22, of Tickton, and William Robinson, 20, of Doncaster, yesterday.
It was alleged the men, who had been drinking, befriended the 18-year-old woman, before taking her keys and pushing her into her room at Bishop Burton College and sexually assaulting her.
But a jury of six men and six women took less than two hours to unanimously acquit the college rugby players of all charges.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Johnson, his father Brian said: "It is the end of ten months of hell for our family.
"It has cost our son the third year of his degree, as well as his scholarship.
"As a family, we would like to thank everyone who has stood by our son. I am glad and relieved that I have my son back."
All three men had claimed sexual activity with the woman was consensual during the trial.
Mr Johnson and Mr Robinson, who were both charged with sexual assault, cupped their mouths with their hands when the verdicts were returned.
Mr Price, who was accused of rape, stared blankly at the judge and exhaled loudly.
Afterwards, Mr Price said: "Words can't describe the relief I felt when I heard the not guilty verdict. It's just relief.
"It has been ten months of pure hell.
"I want to thank my family. Not one single person ever doubted me."
Mr Robinson said: "I would also like to thank my family and friends.
"I am ecstatic. It's taken a long time, but the truth has finally come out."
The trial heard evidence from the woman, who claimed the men laughed after the incident.
Summing up, prosecutor John Thackeray had accused the men of "obvious lies", claiming they had orchestrated a "cover-up".
But their defence counsels had argued the sex acts were consensual, with Mr Johnson's barrister, Anil Murray, claiming the woman had concocted a story to "save a bit of face".
Judge David Tremberg, addressing the men, said: "That's the end of the matter and you can leave this court without a stain on your character."
In a statement, Jeanette Dawson, principal and chief executive of Bishop Burton College, said: "As a college, the care and welfare of our students is incredibly important.
"We have tried, throughout this process, to do the right thing based on the information at hand and have offered all possible support in a difficult period.
"The female student was suspended from the college while the investigation was conducted by the police, but was reinstated once this was concluded.
"We have now heard the verdict of the court and are relieved for all concerned their ordeal is over.
"However, the conduct that was reported in the court case is not behaviour that we condone nor expect and we remind all our students of their responsibility for their actions."
The college said the men were suspended immediately the allegations were made and have not been allowed to return, due to strict bail conditions.
It is understood the men are due to meet with senior college management in the coming days to discuss their future education.
• Rugby players: 'It's pure relief - not celebration'
